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The Zimnitsky test is a special test that will help assess the concentration ability of the kidneys. The test consists of two stages. The first stage is carried out by the patient himself at home, the second stage is an analysis in the laboratory. The test of the sample consists in the dynamic determination of the relative density of urine in three-hour portions, which was collected during the day. The method is effective in detecting various kinds of kidney problems and is recommended by doctors to establish a more accurate analysis.
What is a sample?
This is a special collection of urine for sample analysis. The indicators are of particular importance in determining the level of health of the patient, since the kidneys are the filter of the body. The ability to excrete water can be essential for normal life.
Since sodium and its anions are the main osmotic constituents of blood plasma, the excretion and filtration of water by the kidneys must be regulated by mechanisms that determine the amount of sodium. The mechanism of urine concentration plays a fundamental role in regulating the excretion of water and sodium.
The condition for the correct conduct of the test, which makes it possible to evaluate the concentration ability of the kidneys, is the exclusion of excess water consumption.
How to prepare for the procedure?
The patient needs to take such an analysis only as prescribed by the attending physician. If there is a suspicion of any disease, a test must be done. The procedure for collecting urine is not difficult. There is a certain scheme that should be followed so that there are no problems with the tests.
Every 3 hours during the day, the subject collects urine in separate containers with the designation of the time (8 servings in total).
Urine collection takes place in the morning. The patient needs to get up at exactly six in the morning, empty the bladder (without collecting urine). Now you can start your usual lifestyle, while emptying your bladder already in containers corresponding to the time period indicated in the designation (6:00-9:00; 9:00-12:00; 12:00-15: 00; 15:00-18:00; 18:00-21:00; 21:00-00:00; 00:00-03:00; 03:30-06:00 hours). If there is urination at night, you should also collect. You can highlight the basic rules for collecting urine:
- use clean containers;
- sign each container;
- collect urine in containers for a strictly defined period of time when there was urination;
- Keep refrigerated;
- follow your usual diet;
- do not drink more than usual;
- first urine – drain, it will not be useful.
Then the collected analyzes are taken to the laboratory, where the amount and relative density of urine in each portion are measured. Laboratory doctors calculate the value of daily, separately nightly and daytime diuresis, compare the value of the relative density of urine in various portions. The results of the tests are either given to you or sent to your doctor.
When should you do the research?
It is worth saying that the Zimnitsky test is carried out for both adults and children. This is an effective analysis option for suspected impaired renal function. A nephrologist or your GP may refer you for this test if they are in doubt about:
- renal failure;
- diabetes;
- pyelonephritis and other kidney diseases;
- shriveled kidney.
Analyzes are compared with accepted standards. So, for example, urine should be about 1500 – 2000 ml per day. If the readings are higher, it is polyuria. This may indicate the development of diabetes or kidney failure. The volume of urine is also taken into account, which normally should not be lower than 65-80% of the liquid drunk per day. If the indicator is lower, then this means that there is stagnation of water in the body, which leads to unwanted edema and can provoke more serious problems. The density of urine in a healthy person is in the range of 1,012 to 1,025 g / ml. If the maximum relative density of urine during the Zimnitsky test exceeds 1,020 g / ml, then this is an indicator of a good concentration ability of the kidneys.
If the indicator is higher or lower than indicated, then the patient may develop diabetes (diabetes, insipidus), kidney failure or inflammation in the kidneys in a given period of time. Prolonged excretion of urine with low values of relative density indicates wrinkling of the kidneys. The exception is the presence of pituitary insufficiency or any constitutional and functional tubular disorders.
The effectiveness of the Zimnitsky test
The Zimnitsky test has been used for a long period of time for all age groups. The results help nephrologists prescribe the right treatment and stop the pathological process in the kidneys in time. Also, it must be taken into account that, according to the results of the analysis, the patient can choose the right diet, which will improve the state of health in the absence of more serious diseases.
With the help of this analysis, it is possible to determine such ailments as: diabetes, kidney failure, inflammation of the kidneys, pyelonephritis, glomerulonephritis, heart disease. Negative test results may not always indicate a deterioration in health. For example, increased urine density may be present with toxicosis due to pregnancy. The results of the tests will help to establish not only the disease, but also its causes. Effective cooperation between the patient and the attending physician will help overcome problems and prevent their recurrence.
The Zimnitsky test is a fast and reliable way to confirm or refute a doctor’s diagnosis. Timely detection of kidney disease can save not only from complications, but also from death. Affected kidneys do a poor job of filtering fluid in the body, so they can lead to kidney failure and are most prone to stroke and death.