Urine Sodium and Potassium Electrolyte Profile (24-Hour Collection)
This test measures the total sodium and potassium lost in your urine over 24 hours, helping assess kidney function and fluid balance.
["Helps track how well your kidneys manage electrolytes and fluid over a full day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53788-6
- Short code
- Na Urate Cry UrnS Ql Micro
- Synonyms
- Na Urate Cry UrnS Ql Micro
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 3.5
- Ref high
- 7.2
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- microscopy-light
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Matters
Your kidneys filter waste and balance electrolytes like sodium and potassium. This test checks if they’re working properly by measuring how much of these minerals appear in your urine over 24 hours. It can help diagnose conditions like kidney disease, dehydration, or excessive fluid loss.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours, starting after you wake up. Store the sample in a refrigerator until you deliver it to the lab. Follow any special instructions your doctor gives you, such as avoiding certain foods or medications.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to evaluate kidney function, detect fluid imbalances, or monitor conditions like hypertension, heart failure, or kidney stones. It may also help diagnose electrolyte disorders or assess how well medications are being processed by your kidneys.
What the Results Mean
Results compare your 24-hour urine sodium and potassium levels to typical ranges for healthy adults. Abnormal results may signal kidney issues, fluid retention, or other health problems that need further medical evaluation.
Reference range
NCBI: Uric Acid Male 3.5-7.2 mg/dL; Female 2.5-6.8 mg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
24-Hour Urine Electrolytes
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What causes abnormal sodium or potassium in urine?
Do I need to fast before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy