Sodium is a key electrolyte that helps balance fluids and support nerves and muscles.
Sodium is the main electrolyte in the fluid outside your cells. It works with potassium and chloride to control the balance of water in your body, your blood pressure, and the electrical signals that nerves and muscles use to work.
Your kidneys, together with hormones like aldosterone and antidiuretic hormone, keep blood sodium within a narrow range. Most of the sodium you take in comes from salt in food.
A sodium test shows whether your water and salt balance is steady. Low sodium (hyponatremia) is one of the most common electrolyte problems and can come from drinking too much water, certain medications, heart, liver or kidney issues, or hormone problems. It can cause headache, confusion and, when severe, seizures.
High sodium (hypernatremia) usually points to not drinking enough water or to fluid loss, for example from vomiting or diarrhoea. Reading sodium alongside the other electrolytes helps pinpoint the cause.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Ranges are guidance and vary by laboratory and method.
| Group | Reference range (SI) |
|---|---|
| Adults | 135 to 145 mmol/L |
Aligned to German laboratory practice (DGKL). Always interpret against your own lab's range.
Very high blood fats or protein can falsely lower the reading on some analysers (pseudohyponatremia). Diuretics, some antidepressants, and intravenous fluids shift sodium. A drip arm or a sample left standing too long can also affect the result.
Usually read together with potassium, chloride, and kidney markers such as creatinine and eGFR.
What does my sodium result mean? It reflects your body’s fluid and salt balance. High or low levels suggest issues with water balance, medicines, or health conditions.
Do I need to fast for a sodium test? No. Eat and drink normally unless your clinician gives different instructions.
What can affect my result? Water or salt intake, diuretics, antidepressants, NSAIDs, steroids, recent IV fluids, sweating, vomiting, or pregnancy can shift levels.
How often should I test sodium? As advised by your clinician, especially if you take diuretics, have symptoms, or are being treated for low or high sodium.
How quickly will I get results? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Tell them about your symptoms, fluid intake, all medicines and supplements, and ask if urine tests or kidney checks are needed.
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