Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Assessing the concentrating and diluting ability of the kidney
Specimen container paediatric:
Plain universal container
Specimen container adult:
Plain universal container
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 mL urine
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL urine
Sample stability:
3 days at 20-25C
7 days at 4-8C
>3 months at -20C
Interpretation:
Usually interpretation of urine osmolality requires knowledge of the fluid status of the patient and serum osmolality and urine sodium. Some of the causes of changes in osmolality include: diabetes insipidus, SIADH, primary polydipsia, osmotic diuresis, acute renal injury, hypoadrenalism.
For further information on interpreting osmolality please contact the duty biochemist.
Reference ranges:
Random: 50-1200 mmol/Kg (Depending on fluid intake and hydration state)
Other info:
24 hour urine collection (plain bottle) also acceptable