Sodium
Alternate Names : Serum Sodium, NA+, Lytes
This test measures the amount of sodium that is in the blood or
serum. Sodium is one of the main minerals called electrolytes that are found in
the body.
Who is a candidate for the test?
If a doctor suspects one of the conditions that results from too high or
too low a level of sodium, he or she may order this test.
How is the test performed?
In order to measure the amount of sodium in the blood, a blood
sample is taken from a vein on the forearm or hand. First, the skin over the vein
is cleaned with an antiseptic. Next, a rubber tube called a tourniquet is tied
around the upper arm. This enlarges the veins in the lower arm by restricting
blood flow through them. A fine needle is gently inserted into a vein, and the
tourniquet is removed. Blood flows from the vein through the needle and is
collected in a syringe or vial for testing in the laboratory. After the needle is
withdrawn, the puncture site is covered for a short time to prevent bleeding.
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