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Alternative names Return to top
Urinary 24 hours sodium; Urine Na+Definition Return to top
The sodium urine test measures the amount of sodium in urine.How the test is performed Return to top
Urine may be collected over a 24-hour period or by the "clean-catch" method. The urine is then analyzed by a laboratory.Infant:
Thoroughly wash the area around the urethra. Open a urine collection bag (a plastic bag with an adhesive paper on one end), and place it on the infant. For males, the entire penis can be placed in the bag and the adhesive attached to the skin. For females, the bag is placed over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.
This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can displace the bag, causing the specimen to be absorbed by the diaper. The infant should be checked frequently and the bag changed after the infant has urinated into the bag. The urine is drained into the container for transport to the laboratory.
Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.
Child or adult:
Collect a "clean-catch" (midstream) urine sample. To obtain a clean-catch sample, men or boys should 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 to fall into the toilet bowl to clear the urethra of contaminants. Then, put a clean container under your urine stream and catch 1 to 2 ounces of urine. Remove the container from the urine stream. Cap and mark the container and give it to the health care provider or assistant.
How to prepare for the test Return to top
No special preparation is necessary for this test, but if the collection is being taken from an infant, a couple of extra collection bags may be necessary.How the test will feel Return to top
The test involves only normal urination, and there is no discomfort.Why the test is performed Return to top
The test is often used to determine hydration status and the kidney's ability to conserve or excrete sodium.
Aldosterone (see the aldosterone test), a hormone produced by the adrenal gland, plays a major role in regulating sodium levels within the body and urine. Specifically, aldosterone increases the reabsorption of sodium in the kidneys at the expense of potassium and hydrogen loss.
Reabsorption of sodium helps retain water in body tissues and the blood stream. This way, aldosterone helps maintain plasma volume and blood pressure. Dehydration and conditions that decrease kidney blood flow stimulate aldosterone production.
Normal Values Return to top
Normal values are generally 15 to 250 mEq/L/day, depending on hydration status and daily intake of dietary sodium. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.What abnormal results mean Return to top
Greater-than-normal urine sodium levels may indicate excessive salt intake.
Lower-than-normal urine sodium levels may indicate:
What the risks are Return to top
There are no risks.Special considerations Return to top
Deficient or excessive amounts of sodium in the diet may affect test results.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |