What it means
Sodium, glucose and urea make up most of the particles. A high value means the blood is concentrated, as in dehydration or hypernatremiahy-per-nuh-TREE-mee-uhA blood sodium level above normal, over 145 mEq/L.hyper- abovenatr sodium (from its Latin name, natrium)-emia in the bloodFull entry ; a low value means it is diluted, as with too much water or hyponatremiahy-poh-nuh-TREE-mee-uhA blood sodium level below normal, under 135 mEq/L.hypo- belownatr sodium (from its Latin name, natrium)-emia in the bloodFull entry . It is measured per kilogram of water, while osmolarityoz-moh-LAIR-ih-teeThe amount of dissolved particles in a set volume of fluid, which decides which way water moves.Full entry is measured per liter, but the two are close.
At a glance
| Normal range | 275–295 mOsm/kg [275–295 mmol/kg] |
|---|---|
| Spanish | osmolalidad sérica |
| Also written | plasma osmolality |
Related terms
dehydration
A state in which the body has lost more water than it has taken in.
sodium
A mineral in the blood that controls how water moves in the body and helps nerves and muscles work.
hyponatremia
A blood sodium level below normal, under 135 mEq/L.
osmolarity
The amount of dissolved particles in a set volume of fluid, which decides which way water moves.