Sodium Test

A sodium blood test is recommended in individuals experiencing the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle twitching and cramps
• Swelling in a part of the body due to the accumulation of fluid
• Nausea
• Shortness of breath
• Cravings for excess salt
• General malaise

A sodium blood test is also ordered in individuals on sodium therapy and diuretic therapy.

A sodium urine test is suggested in case abnormal levels of sodium are detected in the blood test. It helps:

• To identify kidney damage
• To diagnose the presence of any medical condition that may affect your health
• To check the levels of salt intake in individuals with high blood pressure
• To evaluate the effects of the treatment employed for the management of sodium levels
• To assess sodium levels in individuals with vomiting and diarrhoea

No special preparations are needed for a sodium blood test, but your doctor may tell you to stop taking certain medications that may interfere with test results. Some of these medications include antidepressants, antibiotics, diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihypertensive medications and lithium. Under no circumstances should any medication be stopped without consulting the doctor.

In the case of sodium urine test, you'll be asked to drink plenty of water before giving the urine sample. Also, the doctor should know about any herbs, vitamins and supplements if you are taking any as these may affect test results.

Sodium blood test: For this test, a blood sample will be collected from a vein in your arm with the help of a needle. It may cause moderate pain and pricking or stinging sensation at the site of injection. Slight bruising may also be observed at the needle insertion site. Though, it will subside on its own. Some other risks involved in blood collection include excessive bleeding, light-headedness, blood accumulation under the skin (hematoma) and infection.

Sodium urine test: Urine sample will have to be collected in a container as per the instructions given by the doctor.

Test results of a sodium test may vary based on individual age, sex, and medical history, and testing methods.

Normal results:

Normal sodium levels in the bloodstream are usually between 136 to 145 mmol/L. The normal level of sodium for a one-time urine sample is 20 mEq/L.

Abnormal results:

Abnormal levels of sodium in the blood indicate various conditions.

Hypernatremia or higher than normal sodium levels occur due to:

• Excessive salt or bicarbonate intake in the diet
• Diabetes insipidus, in which, kidneys are not able to conserve water
• Dehydration

Hyponatremia or lower than normal sodium levels occur due to:

• Excessive sodium or electrolyte loss due to vomiting, diarrhoea, kidney disease
• Liver or kidney disease
• Excessive use of diuretics

Abnormal levels of sodium in the urine may be due to:

• Excess salt intake
• Thyroid conditions
• Diseases of kidneys, heart or liver
• Medications like diuretics
• Dehydration
• Diseases that affect sodium levels

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.