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Test Code LAB420 Urine Osmolality

Clinical System Name

Urine Osmolality

Synonyms

OSMO U

Osmolality Urine

LAB420

Sample Requirements

Specimen:  Random urine

Container(s):  Sterile Screw-Capped Container

Preferred Vol: 0.5 mL

Minimum Vol: 0.1 mL

Processing Instructions

Deliver sample to Core Chemistry.

Reject due to: Non-sterile container, insufficient quantity, incorrect storage temperature, age of specimen

Spin: Y

Aliquot: Y

Storage location: Core Chemistry Refrigerator

 

Off-site collection: Sample MUST be at room temperature before centrifuging. Centrifuge urine to remove particulate matter which could accelerate crystallization. Spin urine and transfer supernate to plastic tube and refrigerate or freeze.

Stability

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Urine RT ≤ 4 h
Urine 2-8 C ≤ 24 h
Urine -20 C or - 70 C ≤ 30 d

Availability

STAT Performed TAT
Y 24/7 1 h

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory    

Department

Department:  Core Chemistry

Phone Number:  206-987-2617 (Client Services)

CPT Codes

83935

Methodology

Method:  Freezing Point Depression by Fiske Micro-Osmometer Model 210

Analytical Volume:  0.06 mL

Reference Range

Age mOsm/kg
< 1 year 50 - 600
1 year - Adult   50 - 1400

 

The urine osmolality output varies greatly with diet. Normal urine osmolality can be as much as 1400mOsm with maximal ADH stimulation, and as little as 50 with maximal ADH suppression. Thus, urine osmolality should be interpreted in light of what is known about the patient's hydration status and plasma osmolality.

Description

Urine osmolality, a measure of urine concentration, is used to help evaluate the body’s water balance. It is typically monitored to evaluate renal function, sodium balance, polyuria, and oliguria.