Description

A sodium test, also known as a sodium blood test, measures the amount of sodium in your blood. Sodium is an electrolyte and mineral that helps your body maintain fluid and acid-base balance, and helps your muscles and nerves function properly. Sodium test Purpose Detects abnormal sodium levels, monitors conditions that affect fluid and electrolyte balance, and monitors medications that affect sodium levels Normal range 135–145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) When to get a test If you've had a recent injury, surgery, or serious illness, or if you consume large or small amounts of salt or fluid What it can show Low sodium (hyponatremia) or high sodium (hypernatremia) Symptoms of low sodium Fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite, confusion, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, or coma Symptoms of high sodium Thirst, urinating very little, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, muscle twitching, or seizures The body needs about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day, which can come from salt, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Filter tags