What is a Sodium Blood Test?
The sodium blood test checks how much sodium is in the blood1. Abnormal sodium levels may cause various health conditions, such as low sodium (hyponatremia) or high sodium (hypernatremia). A na+ blood test, also popularly called a serum sodium test measures the sodium concentration in your blood, helping doctors detect sodium imbalance & treat it.
About the Sodium Level Test
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.
Finding Sodium Blood Test
Should you book blood test online to check your health condition or go to the nearest clinic and get it done by a medical professional? Let’s Find Out
Can I Take a Sodium Blood Test At Home?
Yes, the Sodium Blood Test can be taken at home. HealthcareOnTime’s at-home lab testing service, in association with thyrocare, provides a convenient and efficient way to get blood testing done from the comfort of your own home without the need for a doctor’s visit or a trip to a lab. It’s important to note that it’s always a good idea to consult with an expert healthcare provider about any queries you may have about your test results.
How Much Does Sodium Blood Test Cost?
The Sodium Blood test price varies significantly depending on many factors:
- Location: The Sodium Blood test prices in India may vary depending on the city or the region in which the test is conducted. For example, in Bangalore or Mumbai, it might be expensive as compared to small towns.
- Type of facility centres: The Sodium Blood test charge also varies between private hospitals, government hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Cost is lower in government hospitals as compared to private ones.
- Healthcare centres: Diagnostic centres, laboratories and hospitals may have different Sodium Blood test prices. It depends upon the benefits and reputation of the healthcare centre.
- Insurance Coverage: Individuals with health insurance can cover partial or all costs depending on their policy coverage and network providers.
- Additional services: Additional services such as home sample collection, express test results, or additional charges for special management may be paid, which contributes to the overall Sodium Blood test price.
Generally, the Sodium Blood test cost in India ranges from Rs. 150 to Rs. 500. By opting for HealthcareOnTime lab test at-home facilities, you can access Sodium Blood test at the cost of INR 200.
Test Results Interpretation
You received your Sodium blood test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to know if your results range between the sodium normal range.
What is a Sodium Blood Test Normal Range?
The sodium blood test normal range 6 chart provides a quick reference for interpreting your sodium test results in relation to potential health conditions.
| Sodium Level Test results (mEq/L) | Interpretation |
| Less than 135 | Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) |
| 135 – 145 | Sodium test normal range |
| Greater than 145 | Hypernatremia (high sodium levels) |
What Medical Conditions Can Cause High Sodium Levels?
Several medical conditions can cause high sodium levels (hypernatremia). Some of them include dehydration & excessive sodium intake. On the other hand, we also have diseases like Diabetes Insipidus & Hyperaldosteronism that may lead to high sodium levels.
What Medical Conditions Can Cause Low Sodium Levels?
Several medical conditions can cause low sodium levels (hyponatremia). With factors ranging from resolvable issues like excessive water intake to the extremes of heart failure, sodium levels can reflect many underlying health issues. Some of the notable reasons for low sodium levels are adrenal insufficiency, Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone (SIADH), and Hypothyroidism.
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How much does Sodium Blood Test cost?
The Sodium Blood Test cost is Rs.300, although it is now available for Rs.200 because of the offer.
