Home | Links | Contact Us | About Us | Bookmark
Medical Forum Search :
 
   Homepage      News      Health Topics     Health Directories      Medical Forum      Dictionary  
Health Topics     Diabetes
Health Topics Categories

Urine Osmolality - 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


  • Other Health Topics from : Diabetes
    Archive: Forum -Forum1 - Links - 1 - 2
    HealthExpertAdvice does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 0.014
    Copyright (c) 2013 HealthExpertAdvice Monday, March 31, 2014
    Terms of use - Privacy Policy