The osmolality urine test measures the concentration of chemicals in urine.
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.
How to Prepare for the Test
Your 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.
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.
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.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results are indicated as follows:
Higher than normal measurements may indicate:
- Adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones (Addison disease or other types of adrenal insufficiency)
- Glucose (a type of sugar) in the urine
- Heart failure
- High sodium level in the blood
- Loss of body fluids (dehydration)
- Narrowing of the kidney artery (renal artery stenosis)
- Shock
- Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH)
Lower than normal measurements may indicate:
- Damage to kidney tubule cells (renal tubular necrosis)
- Diabetes insipidus
- Drinking too much fluid
- Kidney failure
- Low sodium level in the blood
- Severe kidney infection (pyelonephritis)