24-Hour Urinary Sodium and Chloride Concentration Profile
This test measures how much sodium and chloride appear in your urine over 24 hours, helping assess kidney function and electrolyte balance.
["This test helps check if your kidneys are properly regulating salt levels in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31110-0
- Short code
- OF .30% NaCl 24h Inc NFr RBC
- Synonyms
- OF .30% 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
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like high blood pressure, kidney problems, or unusual thirst/urine patterns. It’s also used to evaluate conditions affecting sodium or chloride balance, such as certain kidney disorders or hormonal imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll collect all urine for 24 hours in a special container. Drink regular fluids but avoid adding extra salt to your diet unless instructed. Return the container to your doctor’s office or lab on the same day.
How the Test Works
The collected urine is analyzed to measure sodium and chloride levels. These values help determine if your kidneys are excreting the right amount of salt, which can indicate kidney function or other health issues.
Possible Results and Interpretation
Results may show whether your body retains or loses too much sodium/chloride, which can affect blood pressure, fluid balance, or kidney health. Your doctor will compare these results to your symptoms and other tests.
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 sodium/chloride levels in urine can signal kidney disease, hormonal disorders (like hyperaldosteronism), or conditions affecting fluid balance. High levels may suggest kidney dysfunction or excessive salt intake, while low levels could indicate kidney retention of sodium or other metabolic issues.
Short name
24h Urine Na/Cl Profile
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal results?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet affect 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