Fluid deprivation test
Fluid Deprivation Test is a diagnostic procedure used to determine the causes of polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst). These symptoms can be indicative of various conditions, including diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, and psychogenic polydipsia. The test measures the body's ability to concentrate urine in response to fluid deprivation, helping to differentiate between these conditions.
Procedure[edit | edit source]
The fluid deprivation test typically begins in the morning. The patient is instructed to stop drinking fluids several hours before the test starts. During the test, the patient's weight, urine output, and urine concentration are monitored at regular intervals. Blood samples may also be taken to measure serum electrolytes and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) levels. The test continues until one of the following occurs: a significant decrease in body weight (usually 3-5% of body weight), a plateau in urine osmolality/concentration across three consecutive measurements, or the patient develops symptoms indicating the test should be stopped, such as significant discomfort or signs of dehydration.
Interpretation[edit | edit source]
The results of the fluid deprivation test help to distinguish between different types of diabetes insipidus and other conditions. If the patient's urine concentration increases significantly during the test, it suggests that the kidneys can concentrate urine normally when fluid intake is restricted, which may indicate psychogenic polydipsia or primary polydipsia. If the urine concentration remains low, it suggests a diagnosis of diabetes insipidus. Further differentiation between central (neurogenic) and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can be made based on the response to administered ADH during the test. An increase in urine concentration after ADH administration suggests central diabetes insipidus, while little to no response suggests nephrogenic diabetes insipidus.
Risks and Considerations[edit | edit source]
The fluid deprivation test is generally safe but requires careful monitoring to avoid complications such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. It is contraindicated in patients with severe illness, unstable medical conditions, or those who cannot be adequately monitored during the test.
See Also[edit | edit source]
 | This medical article is a stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it. |
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
