How to Determine Sodium Levels

Blood sodium levels are tested by doctors for a number of medical reasons, including hyponatremia, hypernatremia and other diseases associated with edema or dehydration. Sodium tests have also been used by doctors to determine electrolyte imbalance in patients. Determining sodium levels should only be done by medical professionals in a medical setting.

Instructions

• 1

  Head to your local doctor's office for a check-up. If your doctor determines that you meet the criteria for possibly having abnormal sodium levels, he will administer a test to find the cause of the problem.

• 2

  Allow the doctor to administer the test. The test consists of a blood sample taken in needle form and is usually given in the arm. The doctor may also require a urine sample for further investigation. Tests may take 3 to 5 days to determine the results.

• 3

  Wait for your test results. If the test determines that you have a low level of sodium in your blood, you have hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition that results from abnormal water intake or dehydration and causes sodium levels to fall quickly. If the test determines that you have a high level of sodium in your blood, you have hypernatremia. Hypernatremia is almost always a result of inadequate water intake and can be remedied with IV fluids.