الأحد، 12 يونيو 2011

Urine Osmolality Test


Overview & Description

A urine osmolality test measures the osmolality, or concentration of particles, in a person's urine. It provides information about the body's ability to balance fluids and other substances.
Who is a candidate for the test?
A urine osmolality test is done when fluid balance or kidney problems are suspected.
How is the test performed?
A mid-stream, or clean-catch, urine sample is required for this test. First, the entire area around the urethra should be washed off to prevent contamination of the sample. Then, a person should:
  • start urinating into the toilet

  • move the container to catch a sample of urine

  • take away the container and finish urinating into the toilet


    • The container should be covered and brought to the healthcare provider or lab for testing.

    Preparation & Expectations

    What is involved in preparation for the test?
    Since test preparations vary, a person should ask a healthcare provider for specific instructions.

    Results and Values

    What do the test results mean?
    Normally, urine has an osmolality of 50 to 1,400 mOsm/kg H20 (milliosmoles per kilogram of water).
    Abnormally high osmolality may be a sign of:
  • Addison's disease, which is caused by a deficiency of hormones produced in the adenal glands

  • irregularities in the secretion of antidiuretic hormone, or ADH. ADH helps the kidneys put water back into the bloodstream.

  • congestive heart failure, or a weakened heart that fails to pump enough blood to body cells


    • Abnormally low osmolality may be a sign of:
  • aldosteronism, a condition in which a person has too much of the hormone aldosterone, which helps the body break down and use sodium, chloride, and potassium

  • diabetes insipidus, a disease which causes increased thirst and urination

  • excessive fluid intake, which occurs when a person drinks too much fluid

  • kidney damage or disease

  • pyelonephritis, a kidney inflammation usually caused by an infection

    • Attribution

    Author:David T. Moran, MD
    Date Written:
    Editor:Coltrera, Francesca, BA
    Edit Date:05/31/00
    Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed:09/20/01
    Sources
    Tabers Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, F.A.Davis, 1993
    Illustrated Guide to Diagnostic Tests, Springhouse, 1998
    Mosby's Manual of Diagnostic and laboratory Tests, Kathleen Pagana and Timothy Pagana, 1998
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