Why is this procedure done?
This test measures the number of dissolved particles in a fluid. It tells how concentrated something is. It is important to have the right balance between the amount of water and sodium or potassium in your blood. If you do not have enough fluid or have too much fluid, you could have serious health problems. ‚
The doctor may order an osmolality test to: ‚
- Check for a problem with your fluid levels in your body
- See how well your kidneys are working
- Get information on poisons
- Look for problems in your stool
- Help find out why you are having health problems
- Go along with other tests
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor may learn that you have signs of an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Ask your doctor if there are special things to do before the test.
- You may be asked not to eat or drink anything but water for 6 hours before your test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. Most often it is done as a blood test. For this, you will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. You may also have an osmolality test on urine or liquid stool. Ask your doctor if you need to give a urine or stool sample. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
Ask your doctor when you will get the results. ‚
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor find out if you have a problem with your osmolality level. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/osmolality/tab/glance ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚