OVERVIEW:
Sodium is an electrolyte and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside
the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Aldosterone levels tell the kidneys when to
hold sodium in the body instead of passing it in the urine.
WHAT DOES THE TEST MEASURE?
The test measures the amount of sodium in the urine or blood. It helps diagnose kidney and adrenal
gland disorders.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
How is the test performed?
The patient has to urinate in a container provided by the health care provider over a 24 hour period.
Following are the steps you may be requested to follow:
- The empty bladder in the morning but this urine is not to be collected. Record the time of urination
- For the next 24 hours, urinate in the cup provided by the health care provider
- Store your urine container in a refrigerator or with ice
- Return the urine container to the laboratory for testing.
Is there any risk associated with the test?
There is no such risk associated with the test.
What levels are dangerous?
The levels are highly dependent on diet.
What are the most common complications?
A high sodium level in the body disrupts the normal functioning of the body. Complications vary
depending on the cause of the abnormality. The most serious complications are:
- Brain dysfunction
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
INTERPRETATION OF THE RESULT
Normally, the amount of sodium is 40-220 milliequivalents/ liter/ day.
Higher than normal levels may be due to the following reasons:
- Diet high in sodium
- Disorder of the adrenal glands
- Vomiting
- Use of water pills
- Hypothyroidism decreased activity of thyroid gland
Lower than normal levels may be due to the following reasons:
- Dehydration
- Diarrhea
- Kidney problems
WHY GET TESTED?
Sodium is a very important electrolyte and is responsible for acid-base balance, neuromuscular function,
etc. You may need a sodium urine test if you have one of the following:
- Acute kidney failure
- Abnormally high sodium blood level
- High sodium diet
- Adrenal gland disorder