MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Osmolality test

Medical Encyclopedia

Osmolality test

An osmolality urine test is performed to measure the concentration of particles in urine. Greater than normal results may indicate conditions such as Addison's disease, congestive heart failure or shock. Lower-than-normal measurements may indicate aldosteronism, diabetes insipidus, excess fluid intake, renal tubular necrosis or severe pyelonephritis.

Update Date: 10/22/2007

Updated by: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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