ElectrolytesReported in mmol/LSodium
The main electrolyte outside cells. It is the number that most closely tracks body water.
What it measures
Sodium holds water in the bloodstream. A high sodium usually means too little water relative to sodium. A low sodium usually means too much water relative to sodium, not too little salt on your food. The kidneys, thirst, and antidiuretic hormone do most of the regulating. The interval is narrow on purpose.
Why it is on the panel
Both extremes cause real symptoms, from headache and confusion to seizures when the shift is fast. Mild abnormalities are common in older adults and in people on diuretics, and a screening panel is often where they surface.
How to read it
Pair sodium with chloride, carbon dioxide, glucose, and creatinine. Very high glucose pulls water into the blood and lowers sodium. A high sodium with a high creatinine often means dehydration. The size of the change and how fast it happened matter as much as the number.
When it runs higher
Dehydration from not drinking, sweating, or water loss in urine raises sodium. Diabetes insipidus and some illnesses do it by losing water. Thirst and a dry mouth are the matching symptoms. Severe hypernatremia needs medical care.
When it runs lower
Diuretics, heart failure, liver disease, kidney disease, and the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone are classic causes. Drinking far more water than the kidneys can clear can do it too. Nausea, headache, and confusion are reasons to get advice the same day.
Same group
Other Electrolytes tests
How to use this page
This page explains what the measurement is for. It is educational. Your Healiam report includes the reference interval for your age and sex, and a clinician reads that result with your history, medicines, and the rest of the panel. Talk with a clinician before changing diet, supplements, or treatment because of a number on a report.
Sodium
Sodium is part of the full panel.
No referral or insurance required.
One preventive draw covers this measurement and the rest of the Healiam panel. CLIA-certified results come back in days.