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Test Code NA Sodium (Na+) LAB122

Test Method

Ion-Selective Electrode Potentiometry; Beckman DXC600

Specimen Requirement

0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube.
PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should be
separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection.
Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be
rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8
hours of collection. Samples with >3+ lipemia must be cleared
prior to analysis.

Reference Values

Sodium: 135-145 meq/L

  • Critical Values:

    •  
    • Low: <120 meq/L
    •  
    • High: >160 meq/L

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine orders: Typically completed within 4 hours after
the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite: Typically completed within 1 hour after the
specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen
arrives at the testing site.

Useful For

Sodium assays are important in assessing acid-base balance,
water balance, water intoxication, and dehydration.

LOINC Code Information

2951-2 Sodium [Moles/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma

CPT Code Information

84295 Chemistry: Sodium, serum, plasma or whole blood