Lab test · Nephrology
Serum Sodium (Na)
Sodium (salt) level
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Sodium (salt) level
Sodium is the main salt in the body's fluids. It helps control how much water is in and around your cells and is needed for nerves and muscles to work. This test measures the sodium level in your blood, which shows whether your body's balance of salt and water is normal.
Why a doctor may order it
- To look into confusion, headache, nausea, weakness or fits
- After prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea, or with signs of dehydration
- In people taking water tablets (diuretics) or some antidepressants
- To monitor heart, liver, kidney or hormone conditions that affect fluid balance
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
Fasting is not needed for a sodium test. Drink as you normally would; there is no need to drink extra water before the test, as large amounts can lower sodium. Carry on taking your usual medicines unless your doctor advises a change.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The collector takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm at your home, which takes a few minutes. Sodium is often measured together with potassium and chloride from the same sample.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
A low sodium (hyponatraemia) can be caused by vomiting or diarrhoea, drinking very large amounts of water, water tablets, some antidepressants, and heart, liver, kidney or hormone problems. A high sodium (hypernatraemia) usually means the body has lost too much water, for example from not drinking enough, fever or diarrhoea. Sudden or large changes can cause confusion and fits and need urgent care. Your doctor will interpret the result with your symptoms, medicines and other tests.
What's included
One test: Serum Sodium (Na), from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Serum ElectrolytesThis test measures sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate in your blood.
- Serum Potassium (K)Potassium is a mineral that the heart, muscles and nerves need to work properly.
- Serum ChlorideSalt & water balance৳150
- Kidney Function Test (RFT)A kidney function test, also called a renal function test (RFT), is a group of blood tests that show how well your kidneys are filtering waste from the blood.
- Cystatin CKidney filtering rate৳2,500
- Urine Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR)Protein loss in urine, kidneys৳500
Questions people ask
What are the symptoms of low sodium?
Mild low sodium may cause no symptoms. Lower levels can cause headache, nausea, tiredness, muscle cramps and confusion, and very low levels can cause fits.
Who is at risk of low sodium?
Older adults, people on water tablets or some antidepressants, and people with heart, liver or kidney disease are more likely to have low sodium.
Does eating salty food change my sodium result?
Usually only a little. The kidneys and hormones keep blood sodium within a narrow range, so the result mainly reflects your water balance rather than how much salt you eat.
How much does a Sodium test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳190, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Sodium test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Sodium report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.