Osmolality urine test: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P The osmolality urine test measures the concentration of particles in urine.
P Osmolality can also be measured using a blood test.

T How the Test is Performed
P 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.

T How to Prepare for the Test
P Your health care provider may tell you that you need to limit your fluid intake 12 to 14 hours before the test.
P 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.
P Other things can also affect the test results. Tell your provider if you recently:
- Had any type of anesthesia for an operation.
- Received intravenous dye (contrast medium) for an imaging test such as a CT or MRI scan.
- Used herbs or natural remedies, especially Chinese herbs.

T How the Test will Feel
P The test involves normal urination. There is no discomfort.

T Why the Test is Performed
P This test helps check your body's water balance and urine concentration.
P Osmolality is a more exact measurement of urine concentration than the urine specific gravity test.

T Normal Results
P Normal values are as follows:
- Random specimen: 50 to 1200 mOsm/kg (50 to 1200 mmol/kg)
- 12 to 14 hour fluid restriction: Greater than 850 mOsm/kg (850 mmol/kg)
P 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.

T What Abnormal Results Mean
P Abnormal results are indicated as follows:
P Higher than normal measurements may indicate:
- Adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones (Addison disease)
- Heart failure
- High sodium level in the blood
- 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)
P Lower than normal measurements may indicate:
- Damage to kidney tubule cells (renal tubular necrosis)
- Drinking too much fluid
- Kidney failure
- Low sodium or potassium level
- Severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

T Risks
P There are no risks with this test.

T Images
- Osmolality test
- Female urinary tract
- Male urinary tract
- Osmolality urine - series

T References
P Chernecky CC, Berger BJ. Osmolality - urine. In: Chernecky CC, Berger BJ, eds. Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures. 6th ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; Saunders; 2013:833-834.
P Inker LA, Fan L, Levey AS. Assessment of renal function. In: Johnson RJ, Feehally J, Floege J, eds. Comprehensive Clinical Nephrology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 3.

T Review Date 7/15/2017
P Updated 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, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

