Potassium, sodium, chlorides (urine)

What does the analysis show?

The study determines the number potassium, sodium and chloride, which are excreted in the urine throughout the day. These electrolytes are involved in maintaining water balance, transmitting nerve impulses, muscle function, and other important processes.

Determination of electrolytes in daily urine allows us to assess the characteristics of their excretion by the kidneys and can be used together with blood tests for a comprehensive assessment of electrolyte metabolism.

When is the test prescribed?

The analysis may be recommended by a doctor for:

• disturbances of water and electrolyte balance;
• changes in potassium, sodium, or chloride levels in the blood;
• kidney diseases;
• suspicion of excessive or insufficient loss of electrolytes in the urine;
• some adrenal gland disorders;
• monitoring treatment with drugs that affect water-salt metabolism;
• the need to assess renal excretion of electrolytes.

How to properly collect daily urine

First morning urine not going — it needs to be flushed down the toilet.

All subsequent portions during the day, night, and the morning portion of the next day are collected in one container.

For example, if the collection started at 6:00, the first morning portion at 6:00 is not collected, and all subsequent portions are collected until 6:00 the next day inclusive.

The container must be stored in a cool place, protected from direct sunlight, at a temperature +4…+8 °C.

After collection, all daily urine must be thoroughly mixed.

You definitely need:

• to define and specify total daily urine volume;
• to indicate volume of fluid consumed during the day;
• cast 40–50 ml mixed daily urine in a separate sterile container;
• deliver the sample to the laboratory within 2 hours.

To the laboratory «"MediLab+"» daily urine must be delivered without added preservatives.

What can affect the result?

On the level of potassium, sodium and chlorides in urine Nutrition, fluid intake, kidney function, water-salt metabolism, and medications, including some diuretics, can all affect this.

You should not change your diet or stop taking prescribed medications before the test. You must inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.

How is the result evaluated?

The results of the study are evaluated together with blood electrolyte levels, kidney function, daily urine volume and other clinical data.

A single deviation from one of the indicators does not allow you to independently determine the cause of the disorder. The results are interpreted by a doctor.