Description of the Analysis: 

Sodium is one of the most important electrolytes in the human body. It plays a critical role in maintaining fluid balance, regulating blood volume, and stabilizing blood pressure. Additionally, sodium is essential for the proper transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. The kidneys are the primary organs that regulate sodium levels, either retaining it during a deficiency or excreting the excess through urine.

What Does the Analysis Represent?

• Goal: To determine the concentration of sodium in the blood to evaluate electrolyte and water balance.
• Main Application: Diagnosing the causes of edema (swelling), assessing symptoms of dehydration, monitoring patients with kidney, heart, or liver diseases, and controlling the effects of certain medications.
• Biological Process: The indicator reflects the interaction between salt intake, renal excretion, and the action of hormones such as aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

Recommendations for the Test (General)

• Fasting: Recommended. It is best not to eat for 8–12 hours before the blood draw. Plain water is allowed.
• Diet: Avoid excessive consumption of salty foods and alcohol for 24 hours prior to the test.
• Timing: Morning collection is preferred to obtain a standardized baseline result.
• Material: Venous blood (serum or plasma).

What Can Affect the Results?

• Hydration: Excessive water intake can “dilute” sodium (hyponatremia), while dehydration can lead to its elevation (hypernatremia).
• Medications: Diuretics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and certain antidepressants significantly affect sodium levels.
• Intravenous Fluids: Recent IV drips with saline can artificially raise sodium levels.
• Physical Loss: Heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea lead to significant electrolyte loss.

When to Take the Test?

• Neurological Symptoms: Confusion, seizures, extreme weakness, or lethargy.
• Physical Signs: Severe edema, persistent thirst, dry mucous membranes, or significant changes in blood pressure.
• Monitoring: During the treatment of heart failure, kidney pathologies, or adrenal gland disorders.
• Routine Check: As part of a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) or electrolyte panel.

How to Interpret the Results?

Important: Sodium is a key electrolyte that must be evaluated by a doctor to assess your body’s water balance. High Sodium (Hypernatremia): Usually indicates dehydration or excessive salt intake, requiring fluid management. Low Sodium (Hyponatremia): Can be caused by drinking too much water, certain medications, or issues with the heart or kidneys, potentially leading to confusion or fatigue. 

Possible Further Investigations

• Potassium and Chloride Tests: For a complete evaluation of the electrolyte profile.
• Urine Sodium Test: Helps determine if sodium is being lost through the kidneys or other organs.
• Osmolality Test: Measuring the concentration of dissolved particles in the blood and urine.
• Kidney Function Tests (Creatinine, BUN): To check if the imbalance is related to renal performance.

When Does the Next Step Make Sense? 

The next step is critical whenever results fall outside the reference range, as sodium imbalance directly affects brain and heart function. A physician must evaluate the body’s overall hydration status and review the patient’s medication list before prescribing corrective measures.

👉 If necessary, you can discuss the results of the analysis with a specialist, such as a Nephrologist (Doctors – TAMC), Endocrinologist (Doctors – TAMC).