What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing muscle weakness, confusion, excessive thirst, or unusual fatigue that could be linked to an electrolyte imbalance. It's also useful if you have symptoms of dehydration, swelling, or blood pressure changes that may point to issues with how your body handles fluids and salt. Many people use it to check on conditions affecting the adrenal glands or kidneys that can throw sodium levels off balance.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account with your sodium value and an explanation of what the normal range means. If your level is outside that range, the report gives simple next steps, like adjusting fluid or salt intake or retesting after a few weeks to see if things have changed. You can download a standard lab report anytime, and if a result looks dangerously abnormal, it's best to seek medical care right away. The trends feature also lets you track your sodium levels over multiple tests to spot patterns.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone dealing with unexplained fatigue, muscle cramps, confusion, or big changes in thirst or urination might benefit from checking their sodium levels. People managing conditions like high blood pressure, kidney concerns, or adrenal gland issues often use this test to keep tabs on their electrolyte balance. It's also a smart choice if you've been sweating heavily, vomiting, or having diarrhea, since these can shift your sodium out of a healthy range.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like persistent headaches, muscle twitching or weakness, nausea, restlessness, or feeling unusually tired. Extreme thirst, swelling in your hands or feet, or sudden changes in how much you're urinating can also be signs your sodium levels need a check. In more serious cases, confusion or seizures can happen, and those situations call for immediate medical attention.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Once ready, they're posted directly to your online account, where you can view your sodium value alongside the reference range so you know exactly where you stand.

How can I naturally support healthy sodium balance?

Staying properly hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day is one of the simplest ways to help keep sodium levels balanced. Eating a diet with a good mix of fruits and vegetables can help regulate fluid and electrolyte balance naturally. Avoiding excessive salty processed foods, but also not restricting salt too much, helps keep things steady. If you sweat a lot from exercise or heat, replacing lost fluids and electrolytes with water or a balanced drink can help too.

What does high sodium mean?

A high sodium result, called hypernatremia, often means your body doesn't have enough water relative to the salt in your system — this can happen from not drinking enough fluids, excessive sweating, or certain health conditions. It can cause symptoms like thirst, confusion, or muscle twitching. Increasing your water intake and reviewing your diet for excess salt are good first steps, and retesting can help confirm if levels have improved.

What does low sodium mean?

Low sodium, or hyponatremia, can happen when you drink too much water, lose sodium through sweating or illness, or have certain hormone imbalances. Symptoms might include headache, nausea, tiredness, or muscle weakness. Cutting back on excessive water intake and making sure you're getting enough electrolytes from food can help, but very low levels causing confusion or seizures need immediate medical care.

What causes high or low sodium levels?

High sodium is often caused by dehydration, high salt intake, or conditions like diabetes insipidus, while low sodium can come from drinking too much water, certain medications, kidney issues, or hormone imbalances like those seen in adrenal gland problems. Illnesses that cause vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating can shift sodium levels in either direction. Identifying and adjusting the underlying cause, like fluid intake or diet, is usually the first step toward balance.

How often should I retest?

If your sodium levels were within a healthy range and you have no ongoing symptoms, testing once every year or as part of routine wellness checks is usually enough. If you're actively working on correcting an imbalance or managing a condition that affects electrolytes, retesting every few weeks can help you track your progress using the trends feature in your account.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Sodium Blood Test - Electrolyte Balance Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

[email protected]