Urine Sodium test at Sanovra Lab

Sodium - 24 Hrs. Urine – BC292

💧 Fluid & Electrolyte Balance

₹149 MRP ₹200

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Sample Time: 5:30 PM
Report: Same Day
Sample Type: 24-Hour Urine Collection
Test Code: BC292

About this Test:
The Sodium - 24 Hour Urine test measures the total amount of sodium excreted in the urine over a full 24-hour period. Sodium is a critical electrolyte that helps regulate the body's fluid balance and is essential for nerve and muscle function. This test provides insight into dietary sodium intake and how well the kidneys are managing sodium levels.

✔ Helps evaluate fluid and electrolyte balance.
✔ Aids in investigating causes of abnormal blood sodium levels (Hyponatremia/Hypernatremia).
✔ Used to assess kidney function related to sodium handling and certain adrenal gland disorders.
✔ Requires a strict 24-hour urine collection procedure.

Why Measure Sodium Over 24 Hours?

Your body tightly regulates sodium levels. The kidneys play a central role, filtering sodium from the blood and then reabsorbing the amount needed to maintain balance, excreting any excess in the urine. The amount of sodium excreted can vary significantly throughout the day, influenced by your diet (salt intake) and hydration status.

A 24-hour urine collection averages out these daily fluctuations, providing a much more accurate picture of the total daily sodium excretion. This helps doctors assess:

• Overall Sodium Balance: Whether your intake matches your output.
• Kidney Function: How effectively the kidneys are conserving or excreting sodium in response to the body's needs. This is crucial in evaluating conditions like kidney disease or syndromes affecting sodium transport (e.g., SIADH, Diabetes Insipidus).
• Adrenal Gland Function: Hormones like aldosterone, produced by the adrenal glands, strongly influence how the kidneys handle sodium. Abnormal urine sodium levels can be a clue to adrenal disorders.
• Dietary Sodium Intake: The amount excreted roughly reflects dietary intake, which is useful information for managing conditions like high blood pressure.

The 24-Hour Urine Collection Procedure

Accuracy depends entirely on collecting all urine produced over 24 hours. Follow these instructions precisely:

1. Start Time: Choose a convenient time (e.g., 7:00 AM). At this exact time, empty your bladder completely into the toilet. Do NOT collect this first sample. Record this start time.
2. Collect All Urine: For the next 24 hours, collect every drop of urine passed into the special container provided by the lab. Keep the container refrigerated or in a cool, dark place throughout the collection.
3. Final Collection: Exactly 24 hours after your start time (e.g., 7:00 AM the next day), empty your bladder one last time and add this urine to the container. This marks the end of the collection.
4. Submit Sample: Secure the lid tightly, label the container with your name and the collection start/end times, and deliver the entire 24-hour collection to the lab promptly.

Crucial Note: If any urine is missed during the 24-hour period, the total volume will be incorrect, invalidating the test result. You must discard the collection and start over on another day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the purpose of measuring sodium in urine over 24 hours?
It measures the total amount of sodium your kidneys excrete in a day. This helps doctors assess your body's sodium balance, evaluate kidney function in handling salt, check your dietary salt intake, and investigate causes of abnormal blood sodium levels.

Q2: How is this different from a blood sodium test?
A blood test measures the sodium concentration in your blood at one point in time. This 24-hour urine test measures the total amount your kidneys are removing over a whole day, giving a better picture of overall sodium handling and balance.

Q3: Why must I discard the first urine sample?
The test needs to measure the sodium excreted during the 24-hour period. Discarding the first sample ensures you start the collection with an empty bladder at the precise start time.

Q4: What happens if I forget to collect some urine during the 24 hours?
Missing any urine collection makes the test inaccurate. You must stop the collection, discard what you have collected, and restart the entire 24-hour process on a different day to ensure a valid result.

Q5: Do I need to change my diet or fluid intake during the collection?
Generally, you should maintain your usual diet (including salt intake) and fluid consumption unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor. This allows the test to reflect your typical daily sodium handling.