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There are many reasons why you might need to have a blood sodium test. Maybe your doctor has recommended it, or perhaps you want to check your sodium levels for yourself. Whatever the reason, it’s important to know how to perform a sodium blood test safely and accurately.
Sodium is an essential mineral that is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. It plays a key role in regulating fluid balance and electrolyte levels. Sodium is also necessary for the transmission of nerve impulses.
A blood sodium test is a medical test that measures the concentration of sodium in the blood. It is used to diagnose conditions such as dehydration, high blood pressure, and heart failure. The test is also used to monitor the treatment of these conditions.
If you are concerned about your sodium levels or have been advised by a medical professional to take a sodium test, this guide will provide you with all the information you need. We’ll explain how the test is performed, what to expect and how to ensure accurate results.
What Is A Blood Sodium Test?
A blood sodium test is a laboratory procedure used to determine the amount of sodium in a sample. Sodium is an essential mineral that helps to regulate fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve function. A sodium blood test can help to determine if someone has hyponatremia (a condition in which the body has too little sodium) and to monitor the treatment of low sodium levels.
How Is A Sodium Blood Test Conducted?
A blood sodium test is typically conducted by extracting blood from a patient and having the sample spun in a centrifuge. The by-product serum is then measured using an electrolyte machine, which measures the levels of the different electrolytes in the body, such as Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, and other parameters. This is evaluated and processed by a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Laboratory Technician. The results will then be validated and assessed by the physician.
What Are The Risks Associated With A Blood Sodium Test?
There are some risks associated with a blood sodium test. These risks may include:
- Injuries caused by needles used during the procedure.
- Damage to organs is caused by high levels of sodium in the blood.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that grow in high concentrations of sodium in the urine.
- Possible effects brought by being hyponatremic or hypernatremic.
How Can I Prevent The Risks Associated With A Sodium Blood Test?
There are a few ways that you can prevent the risks associated with a blood sodium test. These include:
- Make sure to inform your physician about any medical conditions that you have so that they can take into account the risks when scheduling your test.
- Drink plenty of water before and after your test to avoid dehydration.
- Avoid taking any medications that may increase your sodium levels in the blood, such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
- Take care not to overexert yourself before your test, as this may increase your risk of injuries.
- Educate yourself about the dangers of low sodium levels and how to prevent them so that you are fully aware of all potential risks before undergoing a blood sodium test.
Can I Perform A Blood Sodium Test At Home?
You may be able to perform a sodium test at home if you have access to sodium chloride and blood samples. However, you may experience some risks if you do this without proper training. You should consult with a healthcare professional before attempting a sodium test at home.
However, most Electrolyte tests, particularly blood sodium tests, are usually done in the laboratory by Medical Technologists. This is the most accurate way of testing your electrolytes since there are machines available that are designed to measure such substances.
If I Already Have High Levels Of Sodium In My Blood, Will The Test Show This?
Yes, a blood sodium test will show high levels of sodium if you have this condition. However, the level of sodium in your blood does not always indicate the severity of the condition. You should consult with a healthcare professional to determine if the quantitated results are within the alarming range and determine the best course of treatment for your high levels of sodium.
What Are The Normal Values Of A Blood Sodium Test?
Ideally, the acceptable range for a sodium level is 136-145 millimoles/liter (mmol/l); However, it may still vary from one laboratory to another.
Will I Get Any Other Tests Aside From Sodium?
Most often, a blood sodium test also comes with other electrolyte tests, such as Potassium and Chloride. These tests usually come together at a doctor’s request. Other blood chemistry procedures may still be done and requested, depending on the patient’s exhibit of signs and symptoms. This will be evaluated by the physician.
Why Do You Need To Perform A Blood Sodium Test?
A sodium blood test is an important part of a doctor’s routine blood chemistry requests. Sodium helps to regulate blood pressure and keep the body’s fluid balance in check. A blood sodium test measures how much sodium is in a person’s blood. This information can help your doctor determine the best course of treatment for you. Physicians usually base the need for a sodium blood test depending on the signs and symptoms of the patient.
Hyponatremia
Most often, signs and symptoms of low sodium blood level or hyponatremia are the following:
- Drowsiness or fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Confusion or memory loss
- Seizures
- Low blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Impaired salt and water absorption
- Preexisting medical conditions that can increase the risk for developing low sodium levels, such as kidney disease, liver disease, or being age 65 or older
Hypernatremia
On the other hand, some notable signs and symptoms of elevated sodium levels or hypernatremia are the following:
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Confusion or memory loss
- Seizures
- Low blood pressure
- Heart failure
- Impaired salt and water absorption.
By looking at the signs and symptoms solely, one cannot determine whether a patient is hyponatremic or hypernatremic. This is the reason why physicians order a sodium blood test, to determine whether the assessed signs and symptoms are due to low or high sodium levels.
Do I Need To Fast For A Sodium Blood Test?
You may not need to fast for a blood sodium test.
Results may not be affected even if you fast during the blood collection.
How To Perform A Sodium Blood Test Safely And Accurately
The most accurate way to perform a blood sodium test is to use an automated analyzer. Automated analyzers are more accurate and provide more detailed information than traditional methods.
- Measure the sodium concentration in a sample using a sodium analyzer.
- Compare the sodium concentration of the sample to a sodium reference value.
- If the sodium concentration of the sample is higher than the reference value, a problem may exist, and you should consult with your doctor.
- Note any symptoms associated with high levels of sodium, such as fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for you.
How Long Will The Blood Sodium Test Take?
The blood sodium test usually takes about an hour or less to complete, especially when measured with an automatic electrolyte analyzer.
How To Interpret The Results Of Your Sodium Test
If your sodium level is high, you may need to restrict your sodium intake. If your sodium level is low, you may not need to restrict your sodium intake.
Blood levels of sodium depend on how much you eat and drink, so the results don’t always match what you’ve been told about your salt intake. If your sodium level is high, it could mean that you’re retaining water or have a fluid imbalance. On the other hand, if your sodium level is low, it could mean that you’re dehydrated or have a potassium deficiency.
Your doctor will use the results of your blood sodium test to determine whether you need to make any changes to your diet or medication regimen.
Tips For Improving Your Health With Electrolytes
- Drink plenty of water every day
- Take a multivitamin every day
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Avoid sugary drinks and foods
- Exercise regularly
- Keep your blood pressure under control.
Final Thoughts
Sodium is an important mineral that helps to maintain fluid balance and regulate nerve and muscle function. When blood levels are high, it may be a sign that you’re retaining water or have a fluid imbalance. On the other hand, if your sodium level is low, it could mean that you’re dehydrated or have a potassium deficiency. The results of your blood sodium test will help your doctor determine whether you need to make any changes to your diet or medication regimen.
Resources
- Home blood sodium monitoring, sliding-scale fluid prescription and subcutaneous DDAVP for infantile diabetes insipidus with impaired thirst mechanism – NCBI
- Sodium test Information | Mount Sinai – New York
- Hyponatremia – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
- At-home determination of 24-h urine sodium excretion – Science Direct
- Sodium (Blood) – Health Encyclopedia – URMC
- Sodium (Na) in Blood Test – MyHealth Alberta
- Hyponatremia (Low Level of Sodium in the Blood) – MSD Manuals
- Sodium Test – Lab Tests Online-UK
- Electrolyte test – NHS
- Hyponatremia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment – Cleveland Clinic
- Sodium – Pathology Tests Explained
- Basic Blood Chemistry Tests (for Parents) – Nemours KidsHealth
- Sodium, Potassium, Chloride (Electrolytes) – CDC
- Hyponatremia (Low Sodium) – Managing Side Effects – ChemoCare
- Different types of blood tests – British Heart Foundation
Disclaimer
This website is intended to educate both members of the general public and those working in the medical field on the prevalence, causes, and methods for preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases that affect people throughout their lives. This website’s content is provided solely for informational reasons and is not meant to serve as a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical practitioner.
