Sodium (urine)

What does the "Sodium (urine)" analysis show?«

Sodium is one of the body's main electrolytes. It is involved in regulating fluid volume, maintaining osmotic pressure, transmitting nerve impulses, and normal muscle function.

The kidneys play a key role in regulating sodium levels, varying its excretion depending on the body's needs. Measuring sodium in the urine helps assess how actively it is excreted by the kidneys.

When is the test prescribed?

The study may be recommended by a doctor for:

• disturbances of water-salt balance;
• changes in blood sodium levels;
• kidney diseases;
• edema and changes in fluid volume in the body;
• suspicion of excessive or insufficient loss of sodium in the urine;
• some adrenal gland disorders;
• control of treatment with drugs that affect water-salt metabolism.

How to properly collect daily urine

If the study is prescribed based on daily urine:

• the first morning portion must be flushed down the toilet and not to collect;
• all subsequent portions during the day, night and the morning portion of the next day should be collected in one container;
• if the collection started at 6:00, the first portion at 6:00 is not collected, and all subsequent portions are collected until 6:00 the next day inclusive;
• capacity to store at temperature +4…+8 °C, in a cool place, protected from sunlight;
• after collection, mix all daily urine thoroughly;
• to define and specify total daily urine volume;
• to indicate volume of fluid consumed during the day;
• cast 40–50 ml mixed urine into 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?

The amount of sodium in your urine can be affected by diet, fluid intake, blood pressure, kidney function, and some medications, especially diuretics.

It is not recommended to independently change salt intake, drinking regimen, or stop taking prescribed medications before the study.

How is the result evaluated?

The result of the urine sodium test is evaluated along with blood sodium levels, kidney function, daily urine volume, and other clinical indicators.

A deviation in the indicator is not a diagnosis in itself. To determine the cause of the changes, the doctor may prescribe additional laboratory tests.

Importantly

For a reliable result, it is necessary to collect all daily urine portions without gaps. If some urine was accidentally lost, the laboratory or doctor should be informed.