Sodium: Difference between revisions
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<section begin="clinical biochemistry" />'''Sodium''' is an abundant electrolyte in the body, and sodium ion (Na+) is the dominant ion in the extracellular space. 65% of sodium is in the extracellular space. Abnormally low or high sodium ([[hyponatraemia]] and [[hypernatraemia]], respectively), are | <section begin="clinical biochemistry" />'''Sodium''' is an abundant electrolyte in the body, and sodium ion (Na+) is the dominant ion in the extracellular space. 65% of sodium is in the extracellular space. The main clinical function of sodium is to maintain osmolality. | ||
<section begin="clinical biochemistry" /> | |||
Abnormally low or high sodium ([[hyponatraemia]] and [[hypernatraemia]], respectively), are common but potentially lethal disorders in the worst case.<section end="clinical biochemistry" /><section begin="clinical biochemistry" /> | |||
== Reference ranges == | |||
{| class="wikitable" | |||
!'''Parameter''' | |||
!'''Sample''' | |||
!'''Reference range''' | |||
|- | |||
|Sodium | |||
|Serum | |||
|136 – 146 mM | |||
|- | |||
|Osmolality | |||
|Serum | |||
|275 – 305 mOsmol/kg | |||
|- | |||
|Osmolality | |||
|Urine | |||
|50 – 1400 mOsmol/kg | |||
|} | |||
== Sodium in the body == | == Sodium in the body == | ||
Latest revision as of 20:51, 28 January 2024
This article is a stub, meaning that it is unfinished. It will eventually be expanded.
Sodium is an abundant electrolyte in the body, and sodium ion (Na+) is the dominant ion in the extracellular space. 65% of sodium is in the extracellular space. The main clinical function of sodium is to maintain osmolality.
Abnormally low or high sodium (hyponatraemia and hypernatraemia, respectively), are common but potentially lethal disorders in the worst case.
Reference ranges
| Parameter | Sample | Reference range |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | Serum | 136 – 146 mM |
| Osmolality | Serum | 275 – 305 mOsmol/kg |
| Osmolality | Urine | 50 – 1400 mOsmol/kg |
Sodium in the body
70% of sodium in the body is free, not bound to any molecules.
The remaining 30% is not free but rather bound to large organic molecules in bone, cartilage, and connective tissue.
Sodium regulation
The level of sodium in the body is regulated by the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and by anti-diuretic hormone (ADH).
Sodium in the diet
Too much sodium in the diet increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Most people today eat much more sodium than is recommended.
Sodium in laboratory medicine
When measuring sodium levels in a blood test, flame photometry or ion-selective electrodes (potentiometry) is used.