Osmolality

Osmolality is a measure of the number of dissolved particles in a fluid. It is used in both clinical and research settings to determine the concentration of solutes in the blood plasma, urine, or other bodily fluids. The measurement is expressed in osmoles of solute per kilogram of solvent (Osm/kg).

Measurement

Osmolality is typically measured in a laboratory setting using a device called an osmometer. There are several types of osmometers, including freezing point depression osmometers and vapor pressure osmometers. The type of osmometer used can affect the accuracy of the osmolality measurement.

Clinical significance

In medicine, osmolality is used to diagnose and monitor a variety of conditions. It can help determine the cause of hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood) and hypernatremia (high sodium levels in the blood). It can also be used to monitor patients with diabetes insipidus, a condition that affects the body's ability to regulate water balance.

See also

• Osmolarity
• Osmotic pressure
• Tonicity

References

Osmolality Resources
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