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Definition

Fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) is the amount of salt (sodium) that leaves your body through urine compared to the amount filtered and reabsorbed by the kidney.

FENa is not a test, but rather a calculation based on the concentrations of sodium and creatinine in your blood and urine. Urine and blood chemistry tests are necessary to perform this calculation.

Alternative Names

FE sodium; FENa

How the test is performed

Blood and urine samples are sent to a lab, where they are examined for their salt (sodium) and creatinine levels.

For information on how a blood sample is taken from a vein, see venipuncture.

For information on giving a urine sample, see clean catch urine sample.

How to prepare for the test

Eat a normal diet with a normal amount of salt, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

Your health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with test results. Certain diuretic medicines may affect test results.

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

The test is usually done for patients who are severely ill with acute kidney insufficiency. The test helps determine if the drop in urine production is due to reduced blood flow to the kidney or to kidney damage itself.

What abnormal results mean

A meaningful interpretation of the test can be made only when your urine volume has dropped to less than 500 mL/day.

A FENa of less than 1% indicates decreased blood flow to the kidney, while a FENa greater than 1% (and usually greater than 3%) suggests kidney damage.

What the risks are

The urine sample has no risk. The risks of drawing blood include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • Multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations

The test is only of value in specific circumstances such as sudden reduced urine output.

References

Bazari H. Approach to the patient with renal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 115.

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Which of the choices below exerts primary control over sodium levels in the body?

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The most important regulator of the amount of sodium in the body is the?

The most important regulator of the amount of sodium in the body is the hormone aldosterone, which is produced by the adrenal glands. Aldosterone helps to regulate sodium levels by promoting its reabsorption in the kidneys and excretion of potassium. It is essential for maintaining fluid balance and blood pressure.


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How do you write a plan about how to separate sulfur from sodium chloride?

To separate sulfur from sodium chloride, you can use a process called fractional distillation because sulfur has a significantly higher boiling point compared to sodium chloride. First, heat the mixture gradually until the sulfur evaporates. Then, collect the condensed sulfur vapor as it cools back into a solid form, leaving behind the sodium chloride.


How does the body regulate sodium levels?

The body regulates sodium levels through the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which helps to retain or excrete sodium based on the body's needs. The kidneys play a major role in controlling sodium levels by adjusting reabsorption or excretion. Additionally, hormones like antidiuretic hormone (ADH) can also affect sodium balance by impacting water retention.

Related Questions

Urinary sodium excretion is higher after losartan?

yes


Which hormone aids in sodium conservation and potassium excretion?

antidiuretic hormone


What is the effect of organic acid on serum uric acid level?

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Does atrial naturetic peptides inhibits sodium reabsorption?

Yes, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) inhibits sodium reabsorption in the kidneys by acting on the renal tubules. It promotes natriuresis, which leads to increased excretion of sodium in the urine. This helps to reduce blood volume and pressure.


Do Thiazide Diuretics decrease renal excretion of Phosphate?

No, Thiazide Diuretics actually increase renal excretion of Phosphate. They inhibit the sodium-chloride symporter in the distal convoluted tubule of the kidney, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and also phosphate.


What effect does the presence of ANP have on the body?

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What is the role atrial natriuretic factor?

stimulates urinary sodium excretion when blood volume increases.


Which hormone limits sodium excretion in the urine to help maintain your electrolyte balances during excessive sweating?

Aldosterone is the hormone that limits sodium excretion in the urine. It is released by the adrenal glands in response to low blood pressure or low blood sodium levels. Aldosterone acts on the kidneys to increase the reabsorption of sodium and water, helping to maintain electrolyte balance during excessive sweating.


What is the function of the nephrons in pig kidneys?

Nephrons have the same function in all kidneys. They allow the excretion of water, sodium and urea to form urine. They serve the function of removing waste chemicals such as metabolites and drugs from the body. Excretion of sodium and water is also important in the nephron as it allows the kidney to control blood pressure and blood volume.


What is the role of the skin in excretion?

The skin plays a minor role in excretion by releasing small amounts of waste products such as salts and water through sweating. This process helps regulate body temperature and eliminate some toxins from the body. However, the main organs responsible for excretion are the kidneys, liver, and lungs.


Which of the choices below exerts primary control over sodium levels in the body?

The kidney exerts primary control over sodium levels in the body by regulating the reabsorption and excretion of sodium ions in the urine. Hormones such as aldosterone also play a key role in controlling sodium levels by influencing the reabsorption of sodium in the kidney.


What is the difference between the effect of aldosterone and atrial nature tic peptide on sodium absorption?

Aldosterone promotes sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, specifically in the distal tubules and collecting ducts, leading to increased blood volume and blood pressure. In contrast, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) acts to reduce sodium reabsorption, promoting its excretion in urine, thereby lowering blood volume and blood pressure. Essentially, aldosterone increases sodium retention while ANP facilitates sodium excretion. These opposing effects help maintain fluid balance and regulate blood pressure.