Sodium Test

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Also known as: Na
Related tests: Chloride; Bicarbonate; Potassium; Electrolytes; Osmolality

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To determine the cause of and monitor treatment for illnesses associated with abnormal sodium levels in the body

When to Get Tested?

If you are experiencing dehydration, oedema, problems with blood pressure, or have non-specific symptoms; as part of routine laboratory evaluations, or to monitor certain long-term conditions, like high or low blood pressure

Sample Required?

A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm or, in some cases, a urine sample

Test Preparation Needed?


The Test Sample

What is being tested?

This test measures the concentration of sodium in blood. Sodium is an electrolyte present in all body fluids, and is vital to normal body function. It works to regulate the amount of water in the body, and to control blood pressure by keeping the right amount of water available (in some people, too much sodium from salt in the diet can contribute to high blood pressure). Your body tries to keep your blood sodium within a very small concentration range; it does so by:

  • producing hormones that can increase (such as natriuretic peptides) or decrease (such as aldosterone) sodium losses in urine
  • producing a hormone that prevents water losses (antidiuretic hormone [ADH], sometimes called vasopressin)
  • controlling thirst (even a 1% increase in blood sodium concentration will make you thirsty and cause you to drink water, returning your sodium towards normal.)

An abnormal blood sodium concentration is usually due to some problem with one of these systems. When the concentration of sodium in the blood changes, the water content in your body changes. These changes can be associated with dehydration (too little fluid) or oedema (too much fluid, often resulting in swelling in the legs).

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is taken by needle from the arm. In some cases, a urine sample may be required.




No test preparation is needed.

The Test

Common Questions

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