24 Hrs Urinary Chloride Test

Urine is made up of water and dissolved chemicals, such as sodium and potassium. It also contains urea, which is made when protein breaks down, and creatinine, which is formed from muscle breakdown. Normally, urine contains specific amounts of these waste products. If these amounts are not within a normal range, or if other substances are present, it may be a sign of a certain disease or condition. A 24-hour urine collection is a simple lab test that measures what’s in your urine. The test is used to check kidney function. A 24-hour urine collection is done by collecting your urine in a special container(s) over a full 24-hour period. The container(s) must be kept cool until the urine is returned to the lab.

Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for the test. You may have to stop taking certain medications that can interfere with the test results. Tell your doctor about any and all supplements, prescription, and over-the-counter medications that you’re taking.

Other factors can also interfere with test results. These may include: dehydration, or not drinking enough water having a radiology exam with contrast media (dye) within three days of the test extreme emotional stress urinary tract infection vigorous exercise urine mixed with vaginal secretions, blood, or semen

A normal test result shows less than 150 milligrams of protein per day. A 24-hour urine protein test is taken if you have symptoms of glomerulonephritis or nephrotic syndrome. Other types of kidney disease or other conditions that affect the kidneys are also sufficient reasons to order the test, including: uncontrolled diabetes high blood pressure lupus heavy metal poisoning urinary tract infection

The test may be performed at home or in the hospital. Generally, you’ll be given one or more containers to collect and store your urine over a 24-hour time period. Usually, you’ll start in the morning. You won’t save the urine during that first trip to the bathroom. Instead, flush and begin keeping track of time. You will collect the rest of your urine for the next 24 hours. Store your urine from the 24-hour time period in a cool environment. It can be kept in the refrigerator or on ice in a cooler. Label the container with your name, date, and time of conclusion. After 24 hours of urine collection, the samples must be taken to a lab for analysis.