Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia


 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

Osmolality urine test

 

The osmolality urine test measures the concentration of particles in urine.

Osmolality can also be measured using a blood test.

How the Test is Performed

A clean-catch urine sample is needed. The clean-catch method is used to prevent germs from the penis or vagina from getting into a urine sample. To collect your urine, the health care provider may give you a special clean-catch kit that contains a cleansing solution and sterile wipes. Follow instructions exactly so that the results are accurate.

How to Prepare for the Test

 

Your health care provider may tell you that you need to limit your fluid intake 12 to 14 hours before the test.

Your provider will ask you to temporarily stop taking any medicines that may affect the test results. Be sure to tell your provider about all the medicines you take, including dextran and sucrose. DO NOT stop taking any medicine before talking to your provider.

Also tell your provider if you recently received intravenous dye (contrast medium) for an x-ray. The dye can also affect test results.

 

How the Test will Feel

 

The test involves normal urination. There is no discomfort.

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

This test helps check your body's water balance and urine concentration.

Osmolality is a more exact measurement of urine concentration than the urine specific gravity test.

 

Normal Results

 

Normal values are as follows:

  • Random specimen: 50 to 1200 mosm/kg
  • 12 to 14 hour fluid restriction: Greater than 850 mosm/kg

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different samples. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

Abnormal results are indicated as follows:

Higher than normal measurements may indicate:

  • Heart failure
  • Loss of body fluids (dehydration)
  • Narrowing of the kidney artery (renal artery stenosis)
  • Shock
  • Sugar (glucose) in the urine
  • Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion ( SIADH )

Lower than normal measurements may indicate:

  • Damage to kidney tubule cells ( renal tubular necrosis )
  • Drinking too much fluid
  • Kidney failure
  • Severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

 

Risks

 

There are no risks with this test.

 

 

References

Inker LA, Fan L, Levey AS. Assessment of renal function. In: Johnson RJ, Feehally J, Floege J. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology . 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 3.

McPherson RA, Ben-Ezra J. Basic examination of urine. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods . 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 28.

 
  • Osmolality test - illustration

    An osmolality urine test is performed to measure the concentration of particles in urine. Greater than normal results may indicate conditions such as Addison's disease, congestive heart failure or shock. Lower-than-normal measurements may indicate aldosteronism, diabetes insipidus, excess fluid intake, renal tubular necrosis or severe pyelonephritis.

    Osmolality test

    illustration

  • Female urinary tract - illustration

    The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

    Female urinary tract

    illustration

  • Male urinary tract - illustration

    The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

    Male urinary tract

    illustration

  • Osmolality urine - series

    Presentation

  •  
    • Osmolality test - illustration

      An osmolality urine test is performed to measure the concentration of particles in urine. Greater than normal results may indicate conditions such as Addison's disease, congestive heart failure or shock. Lower-than-normal measurements may indicate aldosteronism, diabetes insipidus, excess fluid intake, renal tubular necrosis or severe pyelonephritis.

      Osmolality test

      illustration

    • Female urinary tract - illustration

      The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

      Female urinary tract

      illustration

    • Male urinary tract - illustration

      The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

      Male urinary tract

      illustration

    • Osmolality urine - series

      Presentation

    •  

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Osmolality urine test

           

           

          Review Date: 8/29/2015

          Reviewed By: Laura J. Martin, MD, MPH, ABIM Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

          A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



          Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.