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Indication

An osmolality test measures the concentration of particles in a solution. In this case, the solution is urine.

Procedure

How the test is performed: You are instructed to collect a "clean-catch" (midstream) urine sample. To obtain a clean-catch sample, men or boys should wipe clean the head of the penis. Women or girls need to wash the area between the lips of the vagina with soapy water and rinse well. As you start to urinate, allow a small amount of urine to fall into the toilet bowl (this clears the urethra of contaminants). Then, in a clean container, catch about 1 to 2 ounces of urine and remove the container from the urine stream. Give the container to the health-care provider or assistant. To collect a urine sample from an infant: Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine-collection bag (a plastic bag with adhesive paper on one end), and place it on your infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag with the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Place a diaper over the infant (bag and all). Check your baby frequently and remove the bag after the infant has urinated into it. The urine is then drained into a container for transport back to the health-care provider. No special preparation is necessary for this test.

Results

Greater-than-normal measurements may indicate:

  • Addison's disease (rare)
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Shock
  • Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion

Lower-than-normal measurements may indicate:

  • Aldosteronism (very rare)
  • Diabetes insipidus (rare)
  • Excess fluid intake
  • Renal tubular necrosis
  • Severe pyelonephritis
Reviewed By

Review Date: 08/21/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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What is the Osmolality of 5 percent dextrose with normal saline?

The osmolality of 5% dextrose with normal saline will be approximately 560 mOsm/kg. This calculation takes into account the osmolality contributions of both dextrose and normal saline components. It is important to note that osmolality measures the concentration of osmotically active particles in a solution.


What color tube is used to draw serum osmolality?

A gray-top tube with sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate is typically used to draw a sample for serum osmolality testing. This tube is preferred because it inhibits glycolysis, which can affect osmolality measurements.


Difference between osmotic diuresis and water diuresis?

Osmotic Diuresis Water diuresis *High amount of H2O reabsoebed in *Normal absorption. PCT. *A lot of solutes are lost. *loss of solute amount is less. *Very high amounts of urine are *Amounts of urine produced are less produced. than that in osmotic diuresis. *Low medullary osmolality. *High medullary osmolality. *Normal *The limiting concentration gradient *The limiting gradient is not reached. for Na is reached at PCT. *Hyponatremia may occur. *Takes more time to get hyponatremia.


What are osmoles?

Osmoles are a unit of measurement for the concentration of solute particles in a solution. One osmole is equal to one mole of particles, regardless of their size or charge. Osmolarity and osmolality are commonly used to express the concentration of solutions in terms of osmoles.


Osmolality - urine?

DefinitionThe osmolality urine test the concentration of particles in urine. Osmolality (particles/kg water) and osmolarity (particles/liter of solution) are sometimes confused, but for dilute fluids such as urine they are essentially the same.A blood test may also be done to measure osmolality. See: Serum osmolalityHow the test is performedA "clean-catch" (midstream) urine sample is needed. For information on how to collect the sample, see clean catch urine culture.How to prepare for the testYour health care provider will tell you if you need to stop taking any drugs that may interfere with the test. Drugs that can increase specific gravity measurements include dextran and sucrose.Receiving intravenous dye (contrast medium) for an x-ray exam up to 3 days before the test can also interfere with results.Eat a normal, balanced diet for several days before the test.How the test will feelThe test involves normal urination, and there is no discomfort.Why the test is performedThis test helps evaluate your body's water balance and urine concentration.Osmolality is a more exact measurement of urine concentration than the urine specific gravity test.Normal ValuesNormal values are as follows:Random specimen: 50 to 1400 milliosmoles per kilogram (mOsm/kg)12 to 14 hour fluid restriction: Greater than 850 mOsm/kgNote: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanAbnormal results are indicated as follows:Greater-than-normal measurements may indicate:Addison's disease (rare)Congestive heart failureDehydrationGlycosuriaRenal artery stenosisShockSyndrome of inappropriate ADH secretionLower-than-normal measurements may indicate:Aldosteronism (very rare)Diabetes insipidus (rare)Excess fluid intakeKidney failureRenal tubular necrosisSevere pyelonephritisAdditional conditions under which the test may be performed:Complicated UTI (pyelonephritis)High blood sodium levelLow blood sodium levelExcessive urinationReferencesBazari 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.

Related Questions

What is the urine osmolality test?

Urine osmolality test. Urine osmolality is a measurement of the number of dissolved particles in urine.


What is the minimal osmolality of urine?

50 mOsm/kg


How is the calculation of urine osmolality?

Urine osmolality is calculated by measuring the concentration of solutes in urine, primarily sodium, potassium, chloride, urea, and creatinine. It is typically determined using a laboratory technique called freezing point depression or vapor pressure osmometry. The formula for calculating osmolality is: Osmolality (mOsm/kg) = 2[Na+] + [Glucose]/18 + [Urea]/2.8, where the concentrations of sodium (Na+), glucose, and urea are expressed in mmol/L. This measurement helps assess kidney function and fluid balance in the body.


A decrease in plasma osmolality would increase?

urine volume excretion, as the kidneys would excrete more water to maintain balance.


Will glucose effect osmolality?

Glucose is a substance that will increase a solutions osmolality.


How do you measure urine concentration?

Urine concentration can be measured using a urine specific gravity test or a urine osmolality test. These tests help to assess the amount of solutes in the urine, which reflects the kidneys' ability to concentrate urine. High concentration levels may indicate dehydration, while low levels may suggest overhydration or kidney issues.


What is the osmolality of an isosmotic solution with plasma?

An isosmotic solution with plasma would have an osmolality of approximately 280-300 mOsm/kg, which is similar to the osmolality of human plasma. This ensures that there is no net movement of water across cell membranes when in contact with plasma, maintaining cell volume.


What is the Osmolality of 5 percent dextrose with normal saline?

The osmolality of 5% dextrose with normal saline will be approximately 560 mOsm/kg. This calculation takes into account the osmolality contributions of both dextrose and normal saline components. It is important to note that osmolality measures the concentration of osmotically active particles in a solution.


How do you calculate osmolality of Infant formula?

To calculate the osmolality of infant formula, you measure the concentrations of osmotic agents such as sugars, salts, and proteins in the formula. Typically, osmolality is expressed in milliosmoles per kilogram (mOsm/kg) of solvent. You can use a formula like the one based on the contributions of individual solutes: osmolality = Σ (concentration of each solute × number of particles it dissociates into). Alternatively, using an osmometer provides a direct measurement of the osmolality of the formula.


How do you find the osmolality of a given number?

To find the osmolality of a solution, you can use the formula: osmolality (mOsm/kg) = (number of particles per solute molecule) × (molarity of the solution in moles per liter) × (1000 g/kg). First, determine the number of solute particles that dissociate in solution, then calculate the molarity of the solution. Multiply these values accordingly to get the osmolality in milliosmoles per kilogram of solvent.


What are the effects of hyper secretion of ADH in urine quantity and component?

ADH is short for Anti Diuretic Hormone and it prevents excess water loss. As such, a hyper-secretion of ADH will result in less urine by volume, and the urine will have a lower concentration of water. Conversely, it will have a higher concentration of solutes (Sodium, Potassium, Urea, etc.)


What color tube is used to draw serum osmolality?

A gray-top tube with sodium fluoride/potassium oxalate is typically used to draw a sample for serum osmolality testing. This tube is preferred because it inhibits glycolysis, which can affect osmolality measurements.