The Use of Electrical Conductivity Measurement in the Calculation of Ion-Free Water Loss in Urine

Abstract

The urine electrical conductivity is a practical guide to the ion-to-water ratio of urine. It may be used to assess the influence of urinary loss upon the total body ion-to-water ratio. It is suggested that the total body ion-to-water ratio is the object of control in water therapy, commonly administered as 5% dextrose. The total body ion-to-water ratio closely accords with the ratio in the extracellular fluid. Since sodium is the predominant extracellular cation, the plasma sodium concentration closely reflects the extracellular and total body ion-to-water ratio. As a consequence the urine electrical conductivity may be used as a continuous signal in the open or closed loop control of water balance as reflected by the plasma sodium concentration.