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Sodium - urine

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male urinary system
Male urinary system

Alternative Names    Return to top

Urinary 24 hours sodium; Urine Na+

Definition    Return to top

The sodium urine test measures the amount of salt (sodium) in a urine sample.

Sodium can also be measured in a blood sample.

See also: Sodium - blood test

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

This test may be done using a random urine sample or a 24-hour urine collection.

If a 24-hour urine sample is needed:

For an 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, place the entire penis in the bag and attach the adhesive to the skin. For females, place the bag over the labia. Diaper as usual over the secured bag.

This procedure may take a couple of attempts -- lively infants can move the bag, causing the urine to be absorbed by the diaper. Check the infant frequently and change the bag after the infant has urinated into it. Drain the urine from the bag into the container provided by your health care provider.

Deliver it to the laboratory or your health care provider as soon as possible upon completion.

How to Prepare for the Test    Return to top

Your health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs that may interfere with the test.

Drugs that can increase test measurements include:

Drugs that can decrease test measurements include:

If a 24-hour urine 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 your hydration status and the kidney's ability to conserve or remove sodium.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Normal Results    Return to top

Normal values are generally 15 to 250 milliequivalents per liter per day (mEq/L/day), depending on how much fluid and salt you consume. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

Greater than normal urine sodium levels may be caused by too much salt in the diet.

Lower than normal urine sodium levels may indicate:

Risks    Return to top

There are no risks.

Considerations    Return to top

Too little or too much sodium in the diet may affect test results.

Update Date: 10/22/2007

Updated by: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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