Sodium, Plasma or Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code AR17130Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab ARUP LaboratoriesLab Test ID 0020001CPT Code 84295

Sodium, Plasma or Serum

Also known as: NA

Clinical Use

Order Test

Use

The Sodium, Plasma or Serum test is used to measure the concentration of sodium in the blood. Sodium is an essential electrolyte that helps maintain water balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Abnormal sodium levels can indicate various health issues such as dehydration, kidney problems, adrenal gland disorders, and conditions affecting the antidiuretic hormone. This test helps in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism, and electrolyte imbalances.

Special Instructions

Specimens must be collected in a plasma separator tube or serum separator tube. Transfer 1 mL of serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube with a minimum volume of 0.2 mL. Ensure proper clotting of the serum tube at room temperature before separation from cells, which must occur within two hours of collection.

Limitations

This test may not be suitable for samples containing sodium citrate, potassium oxalate, or sodium fluoride as these can affect the results. Body fluid and urine samples should be tested with specific ARUP tests for these specimen types. Improper specimen handling, such as delays in processing or incorrect storage temperatures, can lead to inaccurate results.

Test Details

New York Approved

Methodology

Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)

Biomarkers

Sodium

Analyte

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Result Codes

2951-2

Result Turnaround Time

1 day

Specimen

Plasma

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.2 mL

Container

ARUP Standard Transport Tube

Collection Instructions

Collect in a plasma separator tube. Allow serum tube to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells within 2 hours of collection.