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Sodium Test: What Is It, Uses, Preparation, Procedure, Cost & Diagnostic Lab Near You

Sodium Test: What Is It, Uses, Preparation, Procedure, Cost & Diagnostic Lab Near You

What Is Sodium Test? Sodium, chemically represented as Na+ is an essential mineral that plays many vital roles in our body such as: Act as a major cation in the ECF (extracellular fluid) contributing to the ECF...

What Is Sodium Test?

Sodium, chemically represented as Na+ is an essential mineral that plays many vital roles in our body such as:

  • Act as a major cation in the ECF (extracellular fluid) contributing to the ECF compartment volume and osmotic pressure.
  • Regulation of blood volume.
  • Regulation of blood pressure.
  • Help in generation of action potential and nerve impulse conduction.
  • Key electrolyte in normal functioning of nerves. 
  • Help in proper functioning of muscles.
  • Acid-base balance etc.

Usually, sodium is maintained in our body in a narrow range (135-145 mmol/L). Extra sodium is excreted via urine. If sodium level increases (Hypernatremia) or decreases (Hyponatremia) in your body, it produces a variety of symptoms and signs.

Sodium test is used to measure sodium levels in your body. Usually, serum sodium is evaluated for a number of indications. However, urine sodium level can also be evaluated. 

Sodium test is a routine test used for screening, diagnosis or monitoring of many diseases, disorders and conditions that manifest as either hyponatremia or hypernatremia.

Why Do I Need a Sodium Test?

Your health care provider may order a serum sodium test if you have symptoms or signs suggesting hyponatremia or hypernatremia such as:

Features of hyponatremia:

Features of hypernatremia:

  • Increased thirst
  • Anorexia
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Muscle twitching
  • Confusion
  • Seizures.

Monitoring purpose:

  • Pre-operative evaluation.
  • Post-operative evaluation.
  • Burn patients.
  • Intake of certain drugs such as anti-psychotics & mood stabilizers that affect the level of blood sodium.
  • To check the effectiveness of treatment in case of hyponatremia or hypernatremia.

How Do I Prepare for Sodium Test?

Follow these simple steps if you are planning for a sodium test:

  • Take an appointment: Fix an appointment for sodium test in a diagnostic lab to avoid waiting at the time of test.
  • Food: You can take your usual meals a night before the test. 
  • Fasting: 8-9 hours fasting is usually required for sodium test. You can drink water during the fasting period.
  • Medications: Inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. Certain drugs may alter the test result. Your doctor may advise some modifications before the test if required.
  • Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise before the test as it may alter test results. 
  • Smoking:  Avoid smoking before the test as it may affect the test results.

What Is the Procedure for Sodium Test?

The procedure of sodium test includes the following steps:

  • If blood sample is required:
    • First a torniquet will be tied around your arm.
    • Then a cotton swab soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
    • Then a small needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm and required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a test tube. 
    • Then the needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
    • Sample is sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.
  • If urine sample is required:
    • You will be instructed to collect urine sample in a sterile container. 
    • Sample is sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.

Price of Sodium Test in Delhi?

Cost of sodium test depends upon many factors such as city and locality. Different diagnostic labs charges according to the quality of machines they have and various offers that they are providing to their customers.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre (GDIC), Rohini also known as GDIC or Ganesh Lab is currently offering 50% discounts on various blood tests including sodium test.

Our centers are NABH accredited and equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists. We follow strict aseptic conditions to prevent transmission of infections.

Charges of various tests used for the evaluation and monitoring of sodium level or diagnosis of hyponatremia and hypernatremia at Ganesh lab are as following: 

Serum Sodium (Na+)

Rs 170 – Rs 85 Book Now

Urinary Sodium (Na+)

Rs 300 – Rs 150 Book Now

Fractional Excretion of Sodium 

Rs 800 – Rs 400 Book Now

Electrolytes Random Urine Test

Rs 500 – Rs 250 Book Now

Electrolytes 24-hour Urine Test

Rs 500 – Rs 250 Book Now

Electrolyte Profile

Rs 550 – Rs 275 Book Now

Hurry! Grab the best deals now!

Best diagnostic center for sodium tests in Delhi?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is considered as the best diagnostic lab for sodium tests in Rohini, North-East Delhi. We have many branches in different locations in Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Derawal Nagar and Mangol puri. 

Ganesh Lab (GDIC) is now considered one of the most popular diagnostic labs in Delhi as: 

  • We provide high- standard quality services to our patients. 
  • Experience of 23+ years of services.
  • Facility of latest cutting-edge technologies.
  • Well-trained technicians.
  • Highly Skilled Radiologists and Pathologists
  • Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction are our top priority. 
  • We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning
  • Affordable Diagnostic lab with up to 50% discount on many tests. Currently, we are offering flat 50% discount on various types of blood & urine tests.
  • We are open 24X7 and 365 days.
  • You can also avail free Consultation with our Pathologist regarding any blood test or imaging scans.
  • We are empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.   
  • Lakhs of satisfied customers.

Our empanellment with different departments and organisations:

  • DAK
  • CGHS NHA
  • ECHS
  • NDMC
  • DELHI JAL BOARD
  • RAILWAYS
  • NDMC
  • DGEHS
  • BSES YAMUNA / RAJDHANI POWER LTD
  • TATA POWER LTD
  • BABA SAHEB AMBEDKAR HOSPITAL
  • BJRM HOSPITAL
  • BHAGWAN MAHAVIR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL

To know details about our empanelment with different organisations. CLICK HERE! 

For more details visit your nearest Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) today or call us now!

Sodium Test-Related FAQS:

Which sample is required for sodium test?

Sodium evaluation can be done using: 

How long it takes to get sodium test report? 

Sodium test or electrolyte test reports are usually available within 24 hours of sample collection

What other tests check for sodium levels?

Sodium level can be evaluated by sodium test or as a component of other tests such as:

  • Fractional Excretion of Sodium
  • Electrolyte Profile
  • Electrolytes Random Urine Test 
  • Electrolytes 24-hour Urine Test

Low level of sodium is seen in which conditions?

Low level of sodium or hyponatremia is seen in many diseases and conditions such as:

  • Excessive intake of fluids or water
  • Prolonged vomiting
  • Severe diarrhea 
  • Isolated hyperchlorhidrosis
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Nephrotic syndrome
  • SIADH (Syndrome of inappropriate Anti-diuretic hormone).
  • Addison’s disease
  • Pancreatitis
  • Cirrhosis
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Intake of certain drugs:
    1. Anti-psychotics
    2. Sedative or hypnotics
    3. Anti-depressants
    4. Diuretics overdose.

What Are the Complications of Hyponatremia?

There are many complications of hyponatremia or low blood sodium level and the intensity of complications depends upon the plasma sodium levels and increases in severity as the plasma sodium level decreases. These complications may include: 

  • Cerebral edema
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Increased ICT (intracranial tension) due to cerebral edema.
  • Hyponatremic encephalopathy
  • Herniation of brain
  • Brain stem compression
  • Fluid accumulation in the lungs 
  • Respiratory arrest
  • Death.

High level of sodium is seen in which conditions?

High level of sodium or hypernatremia is seen in many diseases and conditions such as:

  • Inadequate intake of water
  • Excess consumption of salt
  • Excessive sweating
  • Viral gastroenteritis 
  • Severe watery diarrhea
  • Salt poisoning   
  • Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus
  • Central diabetes insipidus
  • Glycosuria
  • Hyperaldosteronism 
  • Kidney disease
  • Excess and rapid intravenous saline infusion 
  • Excess infusion of sodium bicarbonate.

What are the complications of hypernatremia?

Hypernatremia or high blood sodium level can lead to various complications and the severity of complications is associated with the serum sodium level and increases in intensity as the plasma sodium level increases. These complications may include: 

What are the risks/side effects of sodium test?

Sodium test is a safe procedure with usually no side effects. However, some individuals may experience few side effects as mentioned below:

  • Pain at injection site.
  • Hematoma
  • Multiple punctures to locate vein in those where veins are not easily accessible. 
  • Bleeding at puncture site, especially patients having bleeding or clotting disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy.
  • Infection at puncture site 

How to check sodium test report?

Normal range of sodium may vary slightly from lab to lab as different labs follow different references or use different measurements. Usually, sodium test reports can be summarized as follows:

Sodium level

Interpretation

135-145 mmol/L (or mEq/L)

Normal Range

<135 mmol/L (or mEq/L)

Low or Hyponatremia

131-135 mmol/L

Mild Hyponatremia

125-130 mmol/L

Moderate Hyponatremia


 

<125 mmol/L

Severe hyponatremia

>145 mmol/L (or mEq/L)

High or Hypernatremia 

146-149 mmol/L

Mild Hypernatremia

150-169 mmol/L

Moderate Hypernatremia

>170 mmol/L

Severe Hypernatremia

Description of terms used:

mmol/L: Millimoles per liter.

mEq/L: Milliequivalents per liter.