| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Sodium
Test CodeNA
Alias/See Also
Epic: LAB122
Preferred Specimen
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Specimen Type: Plasma
Collection Container: Green top (Lithium heparin)
Instructions
Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection.
Transport Container
Plastic vial
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 1 year
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, Hemolysis index >400, gross lipemia.
Methodology
Indirect Ion-Selective Electrode (diluted)
(ICT = Integrated Chip Technology)
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
| 0 – 1 week: | 133 – 146 mEg/L |
| 1 week – 150 years: | 136 – 145 mEg/L |
Clinical Significance
Sodium is the major cation of extracellular fluid; it plays an essential role in the normal distribution of water and in the maintenance of osmotic pressure in extracellular fluid compartments. Decreased levels of Na+ may be caused by an excessive use of diuretics, prolonged vomiting, a decrease in the intake of sodium in the diet, and metabolic acidosis. Increased levels of Na+ may be found in Cushing’s syndrome, severe dehydration, or in high levels of salt intake without an adequate supply of water.
Performing Laboratory
Inova Laboratories
2832 Juniper Street
Fairfax, VA 22031
Last Updated: March 27, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, March 27, 2023