The blood sodium test is one of the most common blood tests that allows the doctor to know the amount of sodium in the blood.... This test is also known as the serum sodium test.... Sodium is one of the vital minerals needed by the body.... This substance is also displayed with the abbreviation Na+.

Sodium is very important for the proper functioning of nerves and muscles....Your body keeps the amount of sodium in a balanced state with various mechanisms....Sodium enters the blood through food and drink....This substance leaves the body through urine, feces and sweat....Having enough sodium is an important thing to maintain the health of the body....Excessive increase in sodium leads to high blood pressure>..

Sodium deficiency is associated with the appearance of various symptoms:

• Nausea
• vomiting
• Feeling tired
• dizziness

When is the blood sodium test done?

The blood sodium test is usually considered part of the basic metabolic panel.... The basic metabolic panel includes a complete set of related tests.... The tests in the basic metabolic panel are used to measure the concentrations of the following substances:

• Calcium
• Bicarbonate
• Chlorine
• creatinine
• Glucose
• Potassium
• Sodium
• blood urea nitrogen

Blood sodium concentration can also be reported as part of an electrolyte panel.. Electrolyte substances are compounds that contain an electrical charge.... Potassium and chlorine are other electrolyte compounds.

A request to perform this test is issued if one of the following conditions is encountered:

• Eat a significant amount of salt
• Consuming or not consuming enough water
• A serious illness or surgery
• Getting fluids through skin injection

Additionally, this test can be used to monitor medications that affect sodium levels in the blood. Diuretics and some hormones fall into this category.

How is the blood sodium test done?

This test is done through a blood sample... Sampling is done by puncturing one of the veins in the hand... The laboratory technician inserts a small needle into the vein of the subject's hand or arm...

How to prepare for a sodium blood test?

There is no need to prepare in advance to perform this test... before going to the test place, consume food and water normally.... It may be necessary to stop taking some medications before doing this test... Of course, stopping the drugs is only allowed with the doctor's order.

Is blood sodium testing dangerous?

You may feel a slight pain or burning sensation during the blood draw....any discomfort will only last a few moments....after the needle is removed from the sampling site, you will feel a burning sensation....you will be asked to apply pressure to the wound....meanwhile, the blood collection site will be bandaged.

Preparation of blood sample is associated with few risks.... Some rare problems when performing this test are:

• fainting or passing out
• Bruising in the vicinity of the needle injection site, also known as a hematoma
• infection
• Excessive bleeding

If your bleeding continues for a long time after the test, this is a sign of more serious problems and diseases.. Any heavy bleeding should be reported to the doctor.

blood sodium test results

It is the doctor's job to share the results with you. The results range from normal to abnormal.

Normal results

According to the statistics provided, normal results fluctuate between 135 and 145 meq/l... Meanwhile, different laboratories define different levels for the normal value.

Abnormal and very low levels

Blood sodium concentration less than 135 mq/l is called hyponatremia. The symptoms of hyponatremia are:

• fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion and losing track of things
• Mental illusions
• Loss of consciousness or coma

Hyponatremia leads to cell damage.... This situation leads to the accumulation of a lot of water inside the cells, and as a result, the cell becomes swollen and inflamed.... This situation will be very dangerous in areas such as the brain.

In older adults, hyponatremia is considered a much more serious condition... It appears under the influence of the following factors:

• Diuretic foods
• Antidepressants
• Some housing
• Extensive burns on the skin
Kidney disease Liver disease or cirrhosis Severe diarrhea or nausea
• Cardiac arrest
• High levels of certain hormones, for example antidiuretic hormone or vasopressin
• Drinking too much water
• Not urinating enough
• Excessive sweating
• ketones in the blood known as ketonuria.
• Thyroid laziness or hypothyroidism
• Addison's disease, during which little hormones are produced in the adrenal gland.

Abnormal and very high levels

Hypernatremia means a high concentration of sodium in the blood.. Symptoms of hypernatremia include:

• Thirst
• fatigue
• Swelling of hands and feet
• Physical weakness
• Forgetfulness
• Fast heartbeat
• Coma

Symptoms of hypernatremia are more common in the elderly, infants and hospitalized people. The causes of hypernatremia are:

• Not drinking enough water
• Drinking salty water
• Eating more salt than usual
• Excessive sweating
• diarrhea
• Low levels of hormones such as vasopressin
• High aldosterone
• Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by high consumption of cortisol.

Certain medications can potentially lead to hypernatremia... these include:

• Contraceptive pills
• Corticosteroids
• Laxatives
• Lithium
• Relievers - anti-inflammatory and non-steroidal

Conclusion

A blood sodium test is requested by your doctor for certain reasons.... In some cases, you need to have this test done because certain medications affect your blood sodium levels.... In other cases, it is used as part of a general examination and to measure your level of health.... In both cases, it is important to know your blood sodium levels...

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