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Test Code NA Sodium Level

Additional Codes

Cerner

NextGen

Sodium Level

Sodium Level

Na

 

Alternate Name(s)

Na

Methodology

Potentiometric

Patient Preparation

None

Collection Instructions

  • Do not draw specimens through heparinized catheters that contain benzalkonium chloride.  
  • Standard phlebotomy practices.

Specimen Requirements

Container

Specimen Type

Tube

Lithium Heparin Plasma

PST

 or  or 

Serum

 or 

SST

 or  or 

 

Stability

Storage

Temperature

Stability

Room Temperature

18-28°C

≤ 4 days

Refrigerated

 2-8°C

≤ 1 week

Frozen

≤-18 °C

≤ 6 months

Rejection Criteria

Gross Hemolysis

Result Reporting and Reference Values

Reported in mmol/L

Age

Low

High

Critical Low

Critical High

0- 7 days

132

142

<120

>160

7 days – 18 years

135

145

<120

>160

18-150 years

137

145

<120

>160

Reflex Testing

None

Limitations

  • Ortho reports a bias with the following:
    • Cationic surfactants (eg. benzalkonium chloride) can cause a positive bias
  • Ortho reports no significant effect with the following: 
    • Bilirubin up to 40 mg/dL
    • Hemoglobin up to 1000 mg/dL
    • Lipemia up to 800 mg/dL

Useful For

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.