Sodium
Use
Electrolyte, acid-base balance; water balance; water intoxication; diagnose dehydration.
Special Instructions
Use a red-top, gel-barrier, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube for specimen collection. Do not use oxalate, EDTA, or citrate plasma. Specimens must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of collection. Label as serum. All stabilization instructions must be followed to ensure accurate results.
Limitations
The test may yield incorrect results in cases of pseudohyponatremia where sample viscosity is increased due to globulin proteins or where solute levels are excessively high. Situations such as hyperlipidemia might cause erroneous low sodium levels unless using a sodium electrode with a direct potentiometric method.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2951-2
- 2951-2
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube, or green-top (lithium heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection. Label specimen as serum.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |