Sodium Urine Test, 24-Hour
A 24-hour Sodium Urine Test is used in determining the cause of a sodium imbalance and for patients with kidney conditions to determine the cause of damage.
Methodology:
Ion-selective electrode (ISE); flame photometer
Preparation:
You must take your lab order to the lab to obtain a proper specimen container before collection. No fasting required. Urinate at 8am and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine in 24-hour period, ending with final collection at 8am the next morning. Refrigerate the collected urine between all voidings or keep it in a cool place. Screw the lid on securely. Transport the specimen promptly to the laboratory. Container must be labeled with full name, date and time collection started, and date and time collection finished.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling LabCorp tests to residents in the following states:NY, NJ, RI, MA, MD
Methodology:
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
Preparation:
You must take your lab order to the lab to obtain a proper specimen container before collection. No fasting required. Urinate at 8am and discard the specimen. Then collect all urine in 24-hour period, ending with final collection at 8am the next morning. Refrigerate the collected urine between all voidings or keep it in a cool place. Screw the lid on securely. Transport the specimen promptly to the laboratory. Container must be labeled with full name, date and time collection started, and date and time collection finished.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Walk-In Lab is prohibited from selling Quest tests to residents in the following states:AZ, NY, NJ, RI
This test can be useful in determining the cause of a sodium imbalance. It is also useful for patients with kidney conditions to determine the cause of damage.
The Sodium Urine Test requires a 24-hour urine sample. The lab will provide a collection container and the patient will be instructed to collect all urine for a 24-hour period. Specific directions will be provided by the laboratory. Upon completion of the process, return the sample to the lab for processing. Results will be available within 1-2 days. A 24-hour sample is required because the amount of sodium in urine can vary throughout the day, making a single sample an inaccurate reflection of average sodium levels. The Sodium Urine Test may also be referred to as Na, for sodium’s chemical element symbol. Fasting is not required prior to or throughout the testing process.
Sodium is an electrolyte that aids in balancing the amount of fluid in the body and plays a role in certain processes such as muscle and nerve function. The body gets sodium from the foods we consume. It uses what it needs and excretes any excess in urine. Low sodium (hyponatremia) is commonly attributed to sodium loss due to a variety of conditions; rarely it can be attributed to inadequate intake. It may also be caused by excess water consumption or fluid accumulation. High sodium (hypernatremia) is typically caused by inadequate water consumption.
Sodium urine levels can be evaluated alongside blood levels to determine whether high levels in the urine are due to elevated blood levels (both results would be high) or loss of sodium (urine level would be high but blood level would normal or low). Inadequate sodium intake would result in low blood and urine levels.
