500 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Sodium Blood Test
Synonyms
None
Purpose
The Sodium Blood Test measures the concentration of sodium ions in the blood. Sodium plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. The test is important because even slight imbalances in sodium levels can lead to serious health issues such as dehydration, confusion, seizures, or swelling.
The results help assess whether a patient has hyponatremia (low sodium) or hypernatremia (high sodium), which can be symptoms of underlying conditions like kidney disease, heart failure, or hormonal disorders.
For a complete picture of a patient’s electrolyte and fluid balance, this test is often performed alongside other tests such as potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate (CO₂).
Patient Preparation
No special preparations required.
Samples
1ml with a minimum volume of 0.7ml of serum or plasma collected in a Gel-barrier, red-top, or green top tube (lithium heparin). Avoid using EDTA, oxalate, or citrate plasma. Serum or plasma should be separated within 45 minutes of sample collection. Store the sample at room temperature.
Reference Range
134-144mmol/L
Results Turnaround
Within 24 hours after sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
The Sodium Blood Test can reveal whether a person has hypernatremia (high sodium levels) or hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Each of these conditions may point to different underlying health issues. For instance, high sodium levels may be linked to conditions like Cushing syndrome or primary aldosteronism, where the body retains too much sodium or loses too much water.
On the other hand, low sodium levels may occur in cases such as nephrotic syndrome, hypoproteinemia, or cachexia, where the body loses too much sodium or retains excess water. These imbalances can lead to symptoms like confusion, fatigue, swelling, or dehydration, and usually signal that further medical investigation is needed.
For more information on Sodium Blood Testing, visit this study.