Sodium Potassium Test: Explore All Details, Purpose, Procedure & Cost

What are Sodium & Potassium Blood Tests

Sodium and potassium are types of electrolytes. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help control muscle and nerve activity, maintain fluid levels, and perform other important functions in your body.

Sodium is important for nerve and muscle function and your body keeps sodium in balance through a variety of mechanisms. Sodium gets into your blood through food and drink and leaves the blood through urine, stool, and sweat. It is important to have the right amount of sodium for your health. Your blood pressure can be raised by too much sodium.

Potassium is important for your body to help your heart and muscles function properly. Too high or too low potassium levels may indicate a medical problem.

Sodium potassium test cost, although varies from location to location, is pretty affordable. Sodium potassium test prices are usually around Rs. 250.

When Should You Get a Sodium Potassium Test Done?

Sodium potassium blood tests can be a part of the basic metabolic panel. A basic metabolic panel is a group of related tests.

Sodium potassium blood tests can also be a part of an electrolyte panel.

A sodium blood test is ordered if:

• you are experiencing dehydration
• You are experiencing weakness or lethargy
• you have blood pressure problems
• You are accumulating excess fluid

A potassium blood test is ordered if:

• you have high blood pressure
• you have kidney disease
• you have heart disease

Signs & Symptoms

A low sodium in your body can cause symptoms like :

• nausea
• vomiting
• exhaustion
• dizziness

Signs and symptoms of high sodium may include:

• thirst
• dry mucous membranes (e.g., mouth, eyes)
• less frequent urination
• muscle twitching
• agitation
• restlessness, acting irrationally, coma or convulsions in severe cases

Low potassium in your body can cause the following symptoms:

• irregular heart rhythms
• muscle cramps
• twitches
• weakness
• fatigue
• nausea
• constipation

High potassium can cause symptoms like:

• irregular heart rhythms
• fatigue
• weakness
• nausea
• paralysis in the arms and legs

If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, remember that the cost of a sodium potassium test is extremely affordable & you should get yourself tested immediately if your doctor has ordered for the test.

Understanding the Results Of Sodium Potassium Test

According to the Mayo Clinic, normal results for this test are 135 to 145 mEq/L (milliequivalents per liter).

Hyponatremia is a state where the blood sodium level is lower than 135 mEq/L. Symptoms of hyponatremia include:

• fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• headache
• loss of appetite
• confusion or disorientation
• hallucinations
• loss of consciousness or coma

Hyponatremia can cause damage to cells and can make the cells swell up with too much water. This may be dangerous, especially in your brain areas.

Hypernatremia means high levels of sodium in the blood, defined as levels that exceed 145 mEq/L.

Causes of hypernatremia include:

• not drinking enough water
• drinking salty water
• eating too much salt
• excessive sweating
  diarrhea
• high levels of aldosterone
• Cushing’s syndrome, caused by excessive cortisol

Too much potassium in the blood causes a condition known as hyperkalemia which may indicate:

• kidney disease
• Burns or other traumatic injuries
• Addison’s disease which is a hormonal disorder. It can cause a variety of symptoms like weakness, weight loss, dizziness and dehydration
• Type 1 diabetes

Too little potassium in the blood causes a condition known as hypokalemia that may be indicative of :

• A diet too low in potassium
• Alcoholism
• Loss of bodily fluids caused by diarrhea or vomiting
• Aldosteronism which is a hormonal disorder and causes high blood pressure

If you are looking for a sodium potassium test at an affordable price, you can get in touch with Accuhealth Diagnostics. Accuhealth has branches in Baruipur, Kasba, Barasat and multiple upcoming branches all over West Bengal and India. You can also order for home collection of your sodium potassium test at a minimal cost from Accuhealth.