Learn everything about the Sodium Profile Test before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.
What Does Sodium Blood Test Measure?
The sodium blood test monitors the amount of sodium in your blood. It requires collecting a blood sample from a vein in your arm, which is then sent to the laboratory for further evaluation.
Symptoms & causes of Sodium Imbalance
There are many physical symptoms that may indicate a sodium imbalance in the patient's body which are as follows:
Symptoms of high sodium levels (hypernatremia) include2:
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth and mucous membranes
- Restlessness and irritability
- Muscle twitching
- Convulsions or coma (in extreme cases)
Symptoms of low sodium levels (hyponatremia) include3:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Headache
- Confusion and disorientation
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Seizures (in severe cases)
It is important for individuals to stay vigilant and identify these symptoms well in time to avoid landing in emergency situations.
Causes of Sodium Imbalance
There are various factors that may lead to a sodium imbalance in the body. Some of the causes include:4
- Dehydration from excessive sweating or inadequate fluid intake
- Adrenal gland disorders affecting hormone production (e.g., Addison's disease)
- Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
- Heart failure or liver cirrhosis
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- Pancreatitis and peritonitis (swelling of the abdominal cavity)
Why Do Doctors Recommend Sodium Level Blood Test?
Doctors recommend sodium level blood tests to monitor and manage the balance of sodium in the body, as both high and low levels can lead to significant health issues. Here are the key reasons for conducting this test:5
- To Detect and Treat Conditions Affecting Sodium Levels: These include kidney failure, uncontrolled diabetes, and conditions leading to excessive fluid loss like severe vomiting or diarrhoea.
- To Evaluate the Impact of Certain Medications: Medications such as diuretics, antidepressants, and NSAIDs can alter sodium levels, necessitating regular monitoring.
- To Diagnose and Manage Electrolyte Imbalance: Sodium is crucial for maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions. Abnormal levels can disrupt these processes.
- To Investigate Unexplained Symptoms: Symptoms like fatigue, confusion, and headaches might be linked to sodium imbalance, guiding further diagnostic evaluation.
- To Assess Risks and Manage Chronic Conditions: Understanding sodium levels helps in managing chronic conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and liver disease, preventing complications.
- To Monitor Therapy: For patients undergoing sodium therapy or treatments affecting sodium balance, tests are crucial to adjust therapy appropriately.
Understanding that a single abnormal test result may not be alarming, doctors consider the overall health and medical history and may repeat tests to confirm the diagnosis.
How To Prepare For Sodium Blood Test?
The steps below help you ensure that your Sodium Blood test provides the most accurate information about your health.
- Medication guidelines: Tell your healthcare provider about all the drugs, supplements or herbal remedies you are taking, as some substances may affect test results. Follow any specific instructions regarding drug adjustment before testing.
- Contact to doctor: Share your entire medical history with existing conditions or symptoms to help explain test results.
What Happens During Sodium Blood Testing?
A Sodium Blood Test only takes a few minutes.
- As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a Lab Technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
- A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
- The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
- The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
- They place a small bandage on the arm
Please note: There might be slight pain or bruising at the spot of insertion, but most of the symptoms go away quickly.