24-Hour Urine Analysis
24-hour urine analysis (daily diuresis) is a laboratory test aimed at assessing kidney function and overall body condition by collecting all urine excreted in 24 hours. This test determines the total daily urine volume as well as concentrations of various substances, helping identify water-electrolyte imbalance, kidney function, and metabolic disorders.
Goals and importance of the analysis:
- Assessment of total urine volume over 24 hours (daily diuresis), important for diagnosing kidney diseases, cardiovascular conditions, and endocrine disorders.
- Measurement of substances in urine such as protein, glucose, creatinine, urea, electrolytes, calcium, sodium, potassium, and others.
- Detection of impaired renal concentrating and excretory functions.
- Diagnosis and monitoring of kidney diseases, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, metabolic disorders, and other conditions.
Indications for the test:
- Suspected chronic renal failure and other kidney diseases.
- Evaluation of kidney function in diabetes, hypertension, heart failure.
- Water-electrolyte imbalances (edema, dehydration).
- Monitoring therapy effectiveness in kidney and metabolic diseases.
- Identification of causes for polyuria (increased urine output) or oliguria (decreased urine output).
How to properly collect 24-hour urine:
- Start collection in the morning after the first urination (discard this urine).
- Collect all urine excreted during the next 24 hours, including the first urination the following morning.
- Use a clean, preferably sterile container, storing it in a cool place (e.g., refrigerator).
- At the end, mix the total urine volume thoroughly and take the required amount for laboratory tests.
- Accuracy and completeness of collection are crucial for reliable results.
Preparation for the test:
- Avoid physical exertion, alcohol, and products affecting urine color and composition the day before collection.
- Maintain usual lifestyle and diet during collection.
- Fluid intake should be normal unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
Interpretation of results:
- Normal daily urine volume for adults is 1–2 liters; deviations may indicate pathology.
- Increased diuresis (polyuria) may indicate diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, or endocrine disorders.
- Decreased diuresis (oliguria) occurs with kidney failure, dehydration, or heart failure.
- Concentration of substances in urine assists in evaluating kidney and metabolic functions.
- Results are interpreted by a physician considering the patient’s clinical condition.
Thus, 24-hour urine analysis is an important diagnostic tool for comprehensive evaluation of kidney function and overall health status.