OSMOLALITY 0000677

This test is designed to help evaluate the body’s water and electrolyte balance, investigate low sodium levels in the blood (hyponatremia) and increased or decreased urine production, detect alcohol poisoning due to ingestion of toxins such as methanol or ethylene glycol, monitor the effectiveness of treatment for conditions affecting osmolality and help determine the cause of chronic diarrhea.

Consider checking the osmolality when someone has a low blood sodium level, is taking mannitol (an osmotic diuretic), may have ingested methanol, ethylene glycol (anti-freeze), or isopropyl alcohol, is producing significantly increased or decreased amounts of urine, or has chronic diarrhea. Please be aware that in most cases of ingestion of the above chemicals, the patient should be evaluated in the emergecy room.