Sodium

Sodium

Alternate Test Name

NA

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB122
NA

Category

Chemistry

Methodology

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Within 24 hours – STAT upon request

Container

Gold top (SST) or Green top (lithium heparin) tube

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 1.0 mL serum
Min. Vol.: 0.5 mL serum

Collection Instructions

• Routine venipuncture

• Immediately after collection, gently invert tube 5-10 times

• Clot 30 minutes

• Promptly centrifuge 10 minutes

• If no gel barrier is present immediately transfer serum or plasma to a plastic tube and refrigerate

• Properly centrifuged gel barrier tube does not require transfer of serum or plasma to separate tube

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

• Room Temperature: 5 days
• Refrigerated: 5 days

CPT Codes

84295

Effective/Revised

03/29/2017

Electrolytes are involved in most major metabolic functions in the body. Sodium, potassium and chloride are amongst the most important physiological ions and the most often assayed electrolytes. They are supplied primarily through the diet, absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and excreted via the kidneys.

Sodium is the major extracellular cation and functions to maintain fluid distribution and osmotic pressure. Some causes of decreased levels of sodium include prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, diminished reabsorption in the kidney and excessive fluid retention. Common causes of increased sodium include excessive fluid loss, high salt intake and increased kidney reabsorption.