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Written by

Dr. Shreya Gupta

BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology

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Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

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Sodium

(Na+)

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Sodium

What is Sodium?

A sodium blood test measures the amount of sodium in your blood. Sodium is an essential mineral which is important for nerve and muscle function. It also acts as an electrolyte and is needed to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.

If your sodium blood levels are too high or too low, it may mean that you have a problem with your kidneys, dehydration, or other medical conditions.

What is Sodium used for?

The Sodium Test is performed:

· As a part of regular health checkup to measure sodium levels in the blood

· To check the water and electrolyte balance of the body upon accumulation of excess body fluids or edema

· At regular intervals to monitor the progress of condition and treatment efficacy while undergoing treatment for hypertension and diseases of the kidney, adrenal gland or liver

· To monitor patients who are receiving diuretic therapy, intravenous fluids, or dialysis

What does Sodium measure?

The Sodium test measures the concentration of sodium in the blood.

Sodium is an essential body electrolyte which, along with potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, etc., helps to maintain the normal fluid and pH balance in the body. It is also vital for cellular metabolism, and in the activity of nerves and muscles and transmission of impulses between them. Sodium is present in all body fluids and is found in highest concentration in the blood and extracellular fluid.

Sodium is supplied to the body principally through dietary salts (sodium chloride or NaCl), and a small portion of sodium is absorbed through other food items. The required portion is absorbed by the body and the remaining is excreted by the kidneys through urine. The body maintains a very narrow range of sodium concentration by three mechanisms:

· Secretion of hormones natriuretic peptides and aldosterone to control sodium elimination through urine

· Secretion of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also called Vasopressin, to control the volume of water eliminated through urine

· Induction of thirst

Any disruption in the abovementioned mechanisms gives rise to an imbalance in the concentration of sodium in the blood to produce Hyponatremia (low blood sodium concentration), or Hypernatremia (high blood sodium concentration). Both these conditions produce a number of symptoms and may even lead to death.

Interpreting Sodium results

Interpretations

Normal range: 135 to 145 mmol/L

Hyponatremia: Below 135 mmol/L

Hypernatremia: Above 145 mmol/L

Sodium concentration in the body is maintained within a narrow normal range between 135 mmol/L and 145 mmol/L.

Hyponatremia or low blood sodium is indicated if sodium concentration lies below the normal range.

Hypernatremia or high blood sodium is indicated if sodium concentration lies above the normal range.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions about Sodium

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What is Hyponatremia?

Hyponatremia is a condition where the blood sodium levels are below the normal range. This may occur due to: · Increased loss of sodium with body fluids due to conditions such as excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics, or kidney diseases · Overconsumption of water, as common during strenuous exercise · Addison’s Disease · Ketonuria · Excess fluid accumulation due to heart failure, liver cirrhosis, or kidney diseases · Improper and overproduction of antidiuretic hormone or ADH

Q. What are the symptoms of Hyponatremia?

Symptoms of Hyponatremia include: · Fatigue · Drowsiness and confusion · Restlessness and irritability · Muscular weakness, twitching, or cramps · Nausea and vomiting · Headache · Seizures · Coma

Q. What is Hypernatremia?

Hypernatremia is the condition where blood sodium levels rise higher than the normal range. This may occur due to: · Insufficient consumption of water · Increase in loss of body fluids due to diarrhea, excessive sweating, extensive burns, or diuretics · Hyperaldosteronism · Cushing's syndrome · Excess water loss from kidneys due to Diabetes Insipidus · Excessive consumption of dietary salt or sodium bicarbonate · Certain medications

Q. What are the symptoms of Hypernatremia?

Symptoms of Hypernatremia include: · Excessive thirst · Drying up of mucous membranes · Low urine production · Muscle twitching and cramping · Agitation and restlessness · Irrational behavior · Convulsions and seizures · Coma

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the result of Sodium test is not normal?

Others tests that may be prescribed upon appearance of an abnormal result in the blood sodium test include: · Urine Sodium Test · Electrolyte Panel Test · Kidney Function Test (KFT) · Liver Function Test · Blood Phosphate Test · Electrocardiogram (ECG)

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