Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Sodium is the major extracellular cation in the body and along with its associated anions, contributes to most of the plasma osmolality and therefore plays an important role in water and electrolyte homeostasis. Measurement of serum sodium is used in the investigation of fluid and electrolyte balance.
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Specimen container adult:
Serum (SST or plain tube)
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL blood
Minimum volume adult:
1 mL blood
Sample stability:
Unseparated samples: 4 days
Separated samples:
– at 15-25C: 14 days
– at 2-8C: 14 days
– at -20C: 1 year
Quality assurance:
WEQAS
Reference ranges:
133 – 146 mmol/L
Other info:
Lithium heparin plasma samples also acceptable