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Fractional excretion of sodium

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Male urinary system
Male urinary system

Alternative Names    Return to top

FE sodium; FENa

Definition    Return to top

Fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) is the amount of salt (sodium) that leaves your body through urine versus 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.

How the Test is Performed    Return to top

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    Return to top

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    Return to top

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    Return to top

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

What Abnormal Results Mean    Return to top

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.

Risks    Return to top

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

Considerations    Return to top

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

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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