24-Hour Urinary Sodium and Chloride Concentration Profile
This test measures how much sodium and chloride are excreted in your urine over a full day. It helps assess kidney function and fluid balance.
["This test helps doctors check if your kidneys are properly managing sodium and chloride levels in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 34965-4
- Short code
- OF .10% NaCl 24h Inc NFr RBC
- Synonyms
- OF .10% NaCl 24h Inc NFr RBC
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Your urine is collected over 24 hours to measure the total amount of sodium (salt) and chloride (another salt component) passed in your urine. This reflects how your kidneys filter and excrete these minerals from your blood.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like high blood pressure, swelling, or signs of kidney problems. It can also help diagnose conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, or certain hormonal imbalances.
How It Works
You’ll collect all your urine for a full day, typically in a container provided by your healthcare team. The sample is then analyzed to determine the concentration of sodium and chloride in your urine.
Preparation Tips
No special preparation is needed, but drink enough water to produce clear urine. Avoid using diuretics or certain medications that may affect sodium levels unless instructed otherwise.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results may indicate kidney issues, fluid retention, or electrolyte imbalances. High levels could suggest kidney problems or excessive salt intake, while low levels might point to conditions like low blood pressure or certain kidney disorders.
Short name
24h Urine Na+/Cl- Profile
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need to collect urine for this test?
Can I eat or drink anything special before this test?
What happens if my results are outside the normal range?
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