Iodine, Urine

Diagnostic Use

Assessment of iodine toxicity
Assessment of iodine status at the time of therapeutic radioiodine administration

The most sensitive index of iodine deficiency is a rise in TSH.

In New Zealand, iodine deficiency leading to goitre and hypothyroidism is uncommon due to supplementation of salt with iodine.

Department

Lipids/Trace Metals

Delphic Registration Code

UI

Laboratory Handling

Registration

Send to separating if ambient on arrival. Send to trace metals if frozen on arrival.

Separating

Make aliquot for UCRN. Send primary sample to trace metals.

Turnaround Time

2 weeks

Test Code

3906

Specimen Type

• Urine

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle
• 24hr Urine Container

Acceptable

• BD Urine Tube (no additive)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

6

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Acceptable

• BD Urine Tube (no additive)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Urine

Minimum Volume (ml)

5

Transport to Lab

Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)
If overnight - Chilled (2 - 8 degrees Celsius)

Interpretation

Urine iodine is used in epidemiological studies for the investigation of the iodine status of populations. Levels in individuals are highly variable from day to day and have a low predictive value for iodine deficiency. Urine iodine reflects recent iodine intake, to assess for iodine deficiency in an individual it is recommended to test thyroid function (TSH).

The recommended dietary intake of iodine is 1.2 umol/day (150 ug/day). Up to 75-90% is excreted in the urine.

Reference Intervals

Adults 0.2 – 5.0 umol/L

Children (under 18) 0.3- 6.0 umol/L

Range derived from a iodine-replete population.

Note: Iodine concentration is a marker of recent intake and does not necessarily confirm insufficiency.

Test Method

ICP-MS

Non-Funded Test Cost

$63.48 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

3906

References:

Soldin et al, Clin Chim Acta 2003;328:185-190

Contact Information

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Contact Information

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