Hormones 2016

Urine and electrolytes
How the test is performed
A 24-hour urine sample is generally needed -
• On day 1, urinate into the toilet when you get up in the morning,
• Collect all subsequent urine (in a special container) for the next 24–
hours,
• On day 2, urinate into the container in the morning when you get up,
• Cap the container. Keep it in the refrigerator or a cool place during the
collection period.
• If the container does not have your patient details on it, then you
need to label the container with your name, the date, and the time
of completion,
• Return it to your hospital/GP, or prearranged collection point
(ucsfhealth, 2009b).
How to prepare for the test
The health care provider will instruct you, if necessary, to discontinue drugs
that may interfere with the test.
Drugs that may decrease the level of chloride in the urine chloride include -
• Acetazolamide
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Drugs that may increase the level of chloride in the urine chloride include -
• Corticosteroids
• Diuretics
Why the test is performed
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a disturbance in your
body’s fluid level or acid-base balance. It may be used to help determine the
causes of hypokalemia, and to aid in the diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis
(ucsfhealth, 2009b).
Normal Values
The normal range is 20 to 250 milliequivalents per day (mEq/day). This
range depends greatly on your salt intake and how hydrated you are.
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.
Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
322
Version 2016.3576– – Document LATEXed – 1st May 2016
[git] • Branch: 1.5 @ 26b5e6d • Release: 1.5 (2016-05-01)