Sodium ISE Serum Test

A sodium blood test is done as a part of a basic metabolic panel. It is a part of a group of related tests. This can include tests for calcium, glucose, blood urea nitrogen and bicarbonate, among others. The test may be performed as a part of an electrolyte panel. This may include potassium and chloride. The test may be ordered in the following instances:

• If you have consumed large quantities of salt
• If you have not eaten enough or if you have not had enough water
• If you have gone through surgery or have a serious illness
• If you have received intravenous fluids
• To monitor the effects of medicines which could impact your sodium levels

Sodium test measures the sodium concentration in the blood.

A sodium serum test is useful for checking your general health or monitoring the balance of fluids in the body. It matches the level of sodium in the body. This is because any variations from normal levels can cause adverse effects on the body.

During a sodium test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

Low levels of sodium: Occurs commonly due to diarrhoea and vomiting. It may occur in kidney disease or due to medications like diuretics. Rate of decrease in sodium levels is more important than single reading. Results below 120 mEq/L are associated with weakness and fatigue; values below 105 mEq/L can lead to neurological impairments like mental confusions. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, headache, confusion, seizures, coma
High levels of sodium may at times lead to high blood pressure. Commonest symptom is excessive thirst. Other symptoms are muscle weakness, restlessness,  confusion, seizures

When the sodium levels in the blood are beyond the normal range, you may experience a range of adverse symptoms. A higher level of sodium could be a sign of dehydration, disorders of the adrenal glands, kidney diseases and diabetes. A lower-than-usual level of sodium indicates that there is a loss of sodium due to vomiting or diarrhoea, kidney diseases, cirrhosis of the liver, heart failure, brain diseases, lung diseases, or malnutrition. It can also be indicative of certain types of cancers.

At the time of blood collection, you may feel a slight pinching sensation. Any discomfort should last for just a few seconds. A throbbing sensation afterwards is quite common. You may feel a slight lightheadedness or feeling of fainting after the blood test. Sometimes, collecting a blood sample can lead to excessive bleeding, infections or the formation of a bruise where the needle was inserted.

You may be displaying certain symptoms. These can lead to the doctor to suspect that your sodium levels are abnormal. You should watch out for symptoms such as muscle cramps, nausea, tiredness, headaches, swelling, feeling of thirst, diarrhoea, weakness, problems walking, shortness of breath and more.

Before taking a sodium ISE serum test, usually no special preparation is required. Your doctor may ask you to get the test done on an empty stomach.

A doctor may ask you to get a sodium blood test done as a regular check-up. He may also suggest this if you are taking any medicines that impact the fluid balance in your body. Otherwise, if your body displays any symptoms that there is too much or too little sodium, this test will help detect the same.

Some of the symptoms of high sodium levels are:

• Feeling of thirst
• Very little urination
• Feeling of vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Twitching of muscles
• Seizures

Some of the symptoms of low sodium are:

• Weakness
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Fatigue

A sodium serum test is a routine test. A doctor may use it to assess your general health condition. The blood test can provide a base for monitoring conditions that affect the balance of fluids in the body, and electrolytes and regulate acidity. A sodium ISE serum test can be performed together with a group of tests. These are together known as electrolyte panels. It may also be performed as a part of a basic metabolic panel (BMP) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

Also Known As

Sodium Ion selective electrode (ISE)

Sodium Specific ion electrode (SIE)