In this case, the pH may become more alkaline, perhaps above 8.

In this case, the pH may become more alkaline, perhaps above 8.0, if the bacteria in the sample are proliferating during the extended room-temperature wait time.

A urine specimen was collected at 6:00 a.m. and remained at room temperature until it was received in the laboratory at 3:30 p.m. How may the pH of the specimen be affected by the extended time at room temperature if bacteria are present in the specimen?