Sodium

Test Code

CPT Codes
84295

Preferred Specimen

Serum (gold top) tube

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Instructions

This test is for Sodium measurement on Plasma or Serum. For Sodium measurement on Body Fluids, order MISNA. For Sodium measurement on Urine, order URNA.

Transport Container

Serum (gold top) tube or Lithium Heparin Plasma (green top) tube

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 4 days; Refrigeration - 7 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Quantity Not Sufficient, EDTA (purple top tube) contamination, IV contamination

Methodology
Potentiometric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Limitations

Heparinized catheters may contain benzalkonium chloride. Specimens drawn through these lines should not be used.

Reference Range

Birth - 1 Month:           134 - 144 mmol/L
1 Month - 2 Years:     139 - 146 mmol/L
2 - 16 Years:              138 - 145 mmol/L
16 Years - Adult:        137 - 145 mmol/L

Clinical Significance

Sodium is the major cation of extracellular fluids. The kidneys regulate sodium content of the body. Low sodium levels may be caused by excessive urine loss, diarrhea, Addison’s disease, and renal tubular disease. High sodium levels may occur in severe dehydration, some types of brain injury, diabetic coma, and excessive intake of sodium salts.

This test is for Sodium measurement on Plasma or Serum. For Sodium measurement on Body Fluids, order MISNA. For Sodium measurement on Urine, order URNA.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.