Osmolality

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Normal values range from 280 to 303 mOsm/kg.

Note: mOsm/kg = milliosmoles per kilogram

Higher-than-normal levels may indicate:

• Dehydration
• Diabetes insipidus
• Hyperglycemia
• Hypernatremia
• Consumption of methanol
• Consumption of ethylene glycol
• Renal tubular necrosis
• Stroke or head trauma resulting in deficient ADH secretion (cranial diabetes insipidus)
• Uremia

Lower-than-normal levels may indicate:

• Excess fluid intake
• Hyponatremia
• Overhydration
• Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with lung cancer
• Syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion

Review Date: 02/03/2006
Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.