Toxicology Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Diuretic Screen

Suitable Specimen Types

Plain Spot Urine EDTA Plasma Li Hep Plasma

Diuretic Screen

Specimen Volume

Minimum volume 0.5 mL.

Specimen Transport

First class post

Sample Preparation

None required

Turnaround Time

24 hours

Sample Processing In Laboratory

Place in toxicology box in cold room.

General Information

A diuretic is any substance that promotes the production of urine. There are several categories of diuretics. All diuretics increase the excretion of water from bodies, although each class does so in a distinct way. They are used to treat heart failure, liver cirrhosis, hypertension and certain kidney diseases. Diuretics are often abused by sufferers of eating disorders, especially bulimics, in attempts at weight loss. The qualitative analysis of diuretic drugs in plasma or urine is indicated:

1. For the investigation of unexplained recurrent or profound electrolyte imbalance
2. To aid in the differential diagnosis of weight loss
3. To monitor potential inappropriate use / abuse of prescribed medication
The follow compounds can be detected using this method:
Bendroflumethiazide
Chlorthalidone (chlortalidone)
Chlorothiazide
Frusemide (Furosemide)
Hydrochlorothiazide.
Indapamide.
Metolazone
Polythiazide.

Patient Preparation

None.

Reference Range

This is a screening test for the presence of diuretics in plasma or urine. As such, we will report results as Positive or Negative for the drugs listed above. All can be detected reliably at concentrations of 0.5 mg/L in urine and plasma.

Related Tests

Potassium (serum) Sodium

Creation Date

Monday, 09 September 2013

Modification Date

Sunday, 18 February 2018

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Protection of Personal Information – Clinical Laboratory Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://qehbpathology.uk/test-database

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962