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.

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