What is a sodium blood test?
A sodium blood test is done routinely, and it helps to see how much sodium is in your body.
Sodium is important to help your body function and is essential for muscle and nerve function. Your body keeps the sodium at the right levels through different mechanisms. When you consume food and drinks the sodium will get absorbed into your bloodstream. It then leaves the body through sweat, stool and urine.
It is important for your health to have the right amount of sodium and the right levels of magnesium for any sore muscles and right body functioning. However, too much sodium can cause high blood pressure among other health problems.
If you are lacking in sodium you may have one or a few symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Exhaustion
- Vomiting
- Nausea
When do you get a sodium blood test?
Having a sodium blood test is part of a metabolic panel that includes tests for:
- Chloride
- Calcium
- Bicarbonate
- Glucose
- Creatinine
- Sodium
- Blood urea nitrogen
- Potassium
Blood sodium can be a part of your electrolyte panel. The electrolytes are a substance that actually carries an electrical charge. Having this test can be carried out for the following reasons:
- If you eat large amounts of salt
- Not eaten enough or not drinking enough water
- You have gone through surgery
- You have a serious illness
- You have had intravenous fluids
If you are on certain medications that can affect your sodium levels, you will also need to have this test done such as hormone medication or diuretics.
How is the sodium blood test done?
The test is performed via a blood sample. The nurse will insert a needle into the vein and fill a test tube with your blood and it will then be sent off and tested.
Do I need to have any special preparation for this test?
No all you need to do is just consume your normal diet as you always do. Do check with your doctor as you may need to stop taking certain medicines before the test.
Are there any risks with having this test done?
When you have the injection, you may feel a slight pinching sensation, but the discomfort should only last until the test is finished. You will need to apply pressure to the puncture wound and a bandied will be applied.
Blood sodium and topical magnesium check will be ordered for an often reoccurrence if you have a medical condition or you are on medications that may affect the sodium level in your body. Quite often it may just be part of a routine health check. Keeping your salt levels at an optimum level is best for your overall health. Consuming too much can cause health problems and so can consuming too less so always ensure you are eating a healthy balanced diet to make sure you are consuming enough sodium that is within healthy food. It is best not to add sodium to your food often as it can be too much. If you are eating the right foods and a healthy, balanced diet the amount of sodium should be sufficient enough.
Your doctor will help you with your diet to either lower your sodium levels to include more in your diet.
