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HelpTest Code LAB20 Sodium, Plasma or Serum
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| SODIUM | LAB20 | NA |
Useful For/Utility
Assessing acid-base balance, water balance, water intoxication, and dehydration.
Clinical Information
Sodium is the major cation of extracellular fluid; it plays an essential role in the normal distribution of water and in the maintenance of osmotic pressure in extracellular fluid compartments. Decreased levels of sodium may be caused by an excessive use of diuretics, prolonged vomiting, a decrease in the intake of sodium in the diet, and metabolic acidosis. Increased levels of sodium may be found in Cushing’s syndrome, severe dehydration, or in high levels of salt intake without an adequate supply of water.
Methodology
Ion-Selective Electrode Diluted (Indirect)
Specimen Requirements
Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
Preferred:
Specimen Type: Plasma
Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Spin down, separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.
2. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of plasma is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. If extreme lipemia-use ultracentrifuged specimen.
3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
Alternate:
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Spin down, separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw.
2. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of serum is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen
Additional Information:
1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.
2. If extreme lipemia-use ultracentrifuged specimen.
3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerate 5 days/Ambient 8 hours OK/Frozen OK
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
| Minnesota | North Dakota | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Ada Hospital | Fargo Hospital | Ashland Clinic |
| Deer River Hospital | Mid Dakota Bismarck 9th St Clinic | St. Mary's Hospital - Superior |
| Fosston Hospital | South University Clinic (Fargo) | |
| Holy Trinity Hospital (Graceville) | ||
| Moose Lake Hospital | ||
| Northern Pines (Aurora) | ||
| Sandstone Hospital | ||
| SMDC Clinical Lab (Duluth) | ||
| St. Joseph's Medical Center (Brainerd) | ||
| St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital | ||
| Virginia Hospital |
Test Classification and CPT Coding
84295
Reference Values
134-143 mEq/L