Serum Sodium (Na)

Why test for Serum Sodium level at Symbion VIP Diagnostics, Ahmedabad ?

Serum Sodium level measurement helps to determine whether your sodium level is within normal limits; to help evaluate electrolyte balance and to help determine the cause of and monitor the treatment for illnesses associated with abnormal sodium levels in the body.

Why the Test is Performed
Sodium is a substance that the body needs to work properly. Sodium is found in most foods. The most common form of sodium is sodium chloride, which is table salt.

This test is usually done as part of an electrolyte or basic metabolic panel blood test.

Your blood sodium level represents a balance between the sodium and water in the food and drinks you consume and the amount in your urine. A small amount is lost through stool and sweat.

Many things can affect this balance. Your provider may order this test if you:

• Have had a recent injury, surgery, or serious illness
• Consume large or small amounts of salt or fluid
• Receive intravenous (IV) fluids
• Take diuretics (water pills) or certain other medicines, including the hormone aldosterone

What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal sodium level can be due to many different conditions.

Higher than normal sodium level is called hypernatremia. It may be due to:

• Increased fluid loss due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, burns, or use of diuretics
• Adrenal gland problems such as Cushing syndrome or hyperaldosteronism
• Diabetes insipidus (type of diabetes in which kidneys are not able to conserve water)
• Too much salt or sodium bicarbonate in the diet
• Use of certain medicines, including corticosteroids, laxatives, lithium, and medicines such as ibuprofen or naproxen

Lower than normal sodium level is called hyponatremia. It may be due to:

• Use of medicines such as diuretics (water pills), morphine, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants
• Increased fluid loss from body, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Increase in total body water seen in those with heart failure, certain kidney diseases, or cirrhosis of the liver
• Adrenal glands not making enough of their hormones (Addison disease)
• Buildup in urine of waste product from fat breakdown (ketonuria)
• Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (antidiuretic hormone is released from an abnormal place in the body)
• Too much of the hormone vasopressin