24 hr urine electrolyte test

[TwiceAsLikely]

Hi,

I wondered if anybody might have any idea of how to get a 24 hour urine electrolyte test done without being in London?

A private cardiologist wants me to do it and the NHS GP can't do it because it is for a private consultant, and the Doctor's Laboratory can't do it because I would need to collect the text kit in person from London.

I presume that a small sample from the total 24 hour sample would do, so I don't even need to post a large sample, but I can't find any company that can do it.

I wondered if anybody might know of one?

Thanks!

A 24 urine is usually just that , 24 hours of urine collected in a big bottle . Are you near enough to have the kit picked up and sent back by Uber ? If you are I'd check the time frame it has to be back in. Or courier service . The private clinic might have one they use .

if an electrolyte blood test as opposed to a urine test will do, there are places that do that online

https://londonhealthcompany.co.uk/products/electrolyte-blood-testing-kit

I don't know anything about these people and haven't used them but just saying there appears to be blood tests available.

The private cardiologist who is telling you to get it done should be directing you - ask them.

All else fails, find a private GP - they will probably be able to help you.

A 24 urine is usually just that , 24 hours of urine collected in a big bottle

Oh I misunderstood. I thought OP meant 24 hour turn round on the test. If that's the test, then obviously a blood test won't substitute so ignore me. Sorry.

I did ask that, but they said I have visit in person so they can explain how the kit works. Perplexing.

I think they just need me to collect 24 hrs worth of urine in a big bottle and then send a small sample for analysis. I've no idea why it is this difficult.

There doesn't seem to be any other company that will test for electrolytes in a 30ml sample. There is a gap in the market, if anybody wants it.

It's a long covid test, so I can't be the only one. It's to test for dysautonomia which is common in long covid.

Sounds a bit confusing - they need to specify how much is needed . I've done the test before and also my DD who suffers from POTS and usually they like to look at the volume as well as far as o can remember but sounds like you need guidance and clarity from them .

If they want a 24 hour urine then they want the whole 24 hours worth. Plus it has to be in the correct container for the specific test, there are different containers for different tests.

Oh I see. I didn't know that. That sounds tricky then.

It's a shame because the consultant asked for all sorts of other tests and they also could only be done in London.

Can you
afford to stay in London for a night or two to get the tests done?

I only know this @TwiceAsLikely from being a junior doctor, getting a patient to do the 24 hr urine and then discovering it needed doing again as we had sent the wrong container.

Consultant was v cross so I've never forgotten!

If you are down the 24 hour urine road then I guess you are having a load of bloods as well. Some of those had to go straight on ice to the lab.

So unfortunately you end up a bit stuck with the location.

@AnnaMagnani thank you for explaining. I have asked at the local private hospital. Maybe they will be able to help.