Normal Urine Output Per Hour

So many of us have given a thought to how much urine we should pass per hour, and if it’s the same for you, then today you can learn what the normal urine output is.

Whether it’s how much urine output should an infant have per hour, 8 hours, or 24 hours, this and many more have been outlined.

Now, what happens if you discover that there are irregularities in the way you pass urine, then you need to consult a doctor.

But first, a good idea of what is normal or abnormal will help you know where you stand.

Now work with us and we’ll show you the minimal urine output, average urine output, and even the normal urine output.

Urine

Urine is a form of waste given off by every human including animals. It’s our body’s way of eliminating waste in the form of liquid.

The level of frequency at which you urinate may sometimes be determined by how much liquid you consume, how hot or cold the weather is, and even your mental state of mind.

Urine consists of water and chemicals, proteins, or electrolytes such as:

• Urea
• Sodium
• Creatinine
• Potassium
• Other chemical compounds

What is the Normal Urine Output?

The normal urine output per hour for adults and children has been outlined below:

• Adult >0.5 mL/kg/hr
• Child >1 mL/kg/hr
• Neonate >2 mL/kg/hr <1 year old

Normal urine output

0.5 to 1.5 cc/kg/hour

A patient should be urinating at least every 6 hours.

Oliguria

Decreased urine output < 300cc/m²/24 hours

< 0.5 cc/kg/hour in children

< 1.0 cc/kg/hour in infants

Usually < 500 cc/day in adults

Anuria

No or minimal urine output

Usually < 100 mL/day in adults

What is a Urine 24-hour Volume Test?

The urine 24-hour volume test checks how much urine your body produces every 24 hours and the content of the urine.

Some of these contents are creatinine, protein, and other chemicals that are often released into the urine.

This test is useful in diagnosing kidney problems, however, it is worth noting that this is a noninvasive procedure.

The test does not also cause pain or discomfort and you can be through with it in no time.

How is the Urine Test Conducted

A urine 24-hour volume test can be carried out in the hospital or at home, but the goal, in the end, is to collect your urine within that period.

A urine 24-hour volume test is conducted by urinating in a container every time you need to use the restroom for 24 hours.

Here’s how to carry out the test:

• On the first day, urinate into the toilet as soon as you get up in the morning, you don’t need to collect the first-morning urine. You may need to record and note the time it happened.
• Next, collect all the urine in a special container for the next 24 hours
• On the second day and at the same time you conducted the test on the first day, urinate into a container once you’re up in the morning
• Cap the container tightly and store in the fridge or a cool place
• Label the container with your name, date of completion, the date, and finally return it to the lab or doctor’s office for testing.

For infants, you’ll be given special urine collection bags with adhesive paper to help you collect their urine easily.

Once you’ve got it, do the following:

• Clean their urethra properly, that is, the area where urine comes out.
• For females, place the plastic container bag over their labia, before placing a diaper over them.
• For male, place their private region in the bag and attach an adhesive to the skin
• Check the baby often and change the bag once they have to urinate
• Transfer the content of the bag into the container, if one was provided by your health care provider.
• Replace the bag with a clean one.
• When you’ve collected urine for the 24 hour period and placed them in the container, label the container with the child’s name and date the urine was collected.

Why a 24-hour Volume Test is Conducted

Some reasons why a urine test is conducted include:

1. To Diagnose a Kidney Disease:

Doctors often recommend that a urine 24-hour volume test be carried out if they suspect a kidney disease.

Moreover, if you’re passing more urine than normal, it may call for a urine test.

Passing large volumes of urine is called polyuria and it is often evident in diabetes insipidus.

Diabetes insipidus is a medical condition that is caused by the kidney’s inability to conserve water.

On the other hand, a test may be required to check if your urine contains more or less of certain chemicals.

If your urine output is abnormally low, it is either a sign of:

• Inadequate fluid intake
• Dehydration
• Renal insufficiency
• Renal failure

An abnormally high urine volume may indicate:

• Diabetes
• Renal diabetes insipidus
• Central diabetes insipidus
• Some forms of kidney failure
• Unusually large fluid intake
• Taking diuretic medications

2. Clearance Test:

Another reason why urine 24-hour volume test is conducted is to be used as a  creatinine clearance test.

This test measures the amount of creatinine that has been eliminated in urine in a 24-hour period.

Similarly, this test may help the doctor to detect signs of kidney disease and the test may be coupled with other ones.

How to Prepare for a Urine 24-hour Volume Test

Little preparation is needed for a urine 24-hour volume test.

And your doctor may give specific instructions on how best to prepare depending on your current medical condition.

However, it is useful to inform your doctor if you’re pregnant or think that you may be pregnant.

In line with that, you need to inform your doctor of any prescription or supplements you may be on.

It is also worth noting that fasting or eating less is not part of the requirement for preparing for the test.

Your doctor may advise against eating certain foods or drinking some beverages.

And most importantly, choose a day when you’ll be at home so it’s easier to collect the urine into a container.

It’ll also be easier to schedule the test than moving from home to work and back home or school to home etc.

Reasons for Inaccurate Result

It is also possible for the result of your urine test to be inaccurate due to the following reasons:

• Not collecting all your urine within a 24-hour period
• Collecting excess urine past the stipulated period
• Not keeping the urine in a cool place
• Spilling the content of the container
• Delaying to return the urine sample

Conclusion

The normal urine output per hour, 8 hours, or 24 hours may vary depending on your liquid consumption and the temperature of the day.

Despite this, giving off urine more frequently than usual calls for a medical check-up.

Therefore, if you have any concerns or believe you’ve been passing urine more than normal, pay your doctor a visit and a test will be carried out.

Remember, the earlier you get checked and get a professional opinion, the better.