Osmolality - Urine
Definition This test measures the osmolality (concentration of particles) of the urine.
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Why is the Test Performed?
Osmolality measures the concentration of particles in a solution (in this case, urine). Osmolality (particles/kg water) and osmolarity (particles/liter of solution) are sometimes confused -- but for dilute fluids (such as urine), they are essentially synonymous.
Osmolality is a more exact measurement of urine concentration than specific gravity because specific gravity depends on the precise nature of the molecules present in the urine. Specific gravity also requires correction for the presence of glucose or protein.
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