Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Urine Osmolality

Suitable Specimen Types

Plain Spot Urine

Urine Osmolality

Specimen Volume

0.5 mL

Sample Preparation

Please use a plain universal (no preservative) for this test.

Turnaround Time

1 Day (Please contact the laboratory if urgent)

Sample Processing In Laboratory

All serum and urine samples must be analysed within 24 hours of receipt into the laboratory.

Sample Stability

5 days at room temperature, 4 days at 4°C

General Information

Determination of plasma and urine osmolality are used in the assessment of electrolyte and acid-base disorders. Comparison of plasma and urine osmolalities determines the appropriateness and status of water regulation by the kidneys in settings of severe electrolyte disturbances, as might occur in diabetes insipidus or the syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH).

For the differential diagnosis of hypo and hypernatraemia, urine electrolytes should be requested along with urine osmolality.

Patient Preparation

None

Reference Range

None Given

Specifications

  • EQA Status: UK NEQAS Urine Chemistries Scheme
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Link to Further Information

https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/osmolality-osmolarity

Creation Date

Monday, 08 August 2011

Modification Date

Wednesday, 11 May 2022

General Information

General information about the website and its content

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Location of Laboratories

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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