The urine sample has no risk. The risks of drawing blood include:
Excessive bleeding
Fainting or feeling light-headed
Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
Multiple punctures to locate veins
Special considerations:
The test is only of value in specific circumstances, such as sudden reduced urine output.
Use of diuretic medicines before performing the tests may give misleading results.
Review Date: 2/3/2006
Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, Private Practice specializing in Nephrology, Affiliated with New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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