Kidney
Sodium — what it measures
For understanding, not diagnosis. Reference ranges differ between laboratories; the ranges on your own report, and your doctor’s reading of them, always come first.
What it measures
Sodium is the main electrolyte in the fluid outside your cells and is central to fluid balance and nerve function. It is reported in standard kidney and electrolyte panels and is tightly regulated by the kidneys and thirst.
What can skew it
Dehydration, vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating and many medicines, including diuretics, can shift sodium in either direction.
Reference ranges
Reference ranges are narrow and vary slightly by laboratory, so even small deviations are interpreted carefully by clinicians against your symptoms and medicines.
Medical disclaimer: This page is educational only. It cannot tell you whether your result is normal or what to do about it — that is a decision for your doctor, with your full history.