Sodium – what do your levels mean?
Have you had your Sodium level measured and are unsure what the numbers mean? Here's a clear explanation of the normal range, what a too high or too low level can indicate, and when it makes sense to get tested.
What is the normal range for Sodium?
What is the normal range for Sodium?
The normal range for sodium in the blood typically lies between 137 and 145 mmol/L for adults. In children, the reference intervals are largely the same as for adults, but newborns may have slightly higher values. There may be minor variations depending on the laboratory used. Sodium plays a crucial role in the body's fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. Levels close to the boundary values can indicate incipient imbalances in fluid and electrolyte status, requiring attention, especially in the elderly, infants, or patients with chronic diseases.
What does a low level mean?
A low level of sodium in the blood, called hyponatremia, can lead to symptoms such as nausea, headache, confusion, seizures, and in severe cases, coma. Hyponatremia is often caused by fluid loss through vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, or an over-dilution of the blood due to excessive fluid intake. Elderly individuals, people with chronic diseases such as heart failure, kidney disease, or liver disease, as well as people taking certain types of medication (e.g., diuretics), are particularly vulnerable. Treatment depends on the cause and may include fluid restriction, salt supplementation, or treatment of underlying diseases. If hyponatremia is suspected, a doctor should be contacted immediately.
What does a high level mean?
A high level of sodium in the blood, called hypernatremia, can lead to symptoms such as thirst, fatigue, irritability, muscle cramps, and in severe cases, confusion, seizures, or coma. Hypernatremia often occurs due to dehydration, for example, from insufficient fluid intake, prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or high fever. The elderly and infants are particularly vulnerable as they may have a reduced ability to regulate their fluid balance. Treatment typically involves slow restoration of fluid balance with isotonic fluids to avoid complications. If signs of hypernatremia are present, medical attention should be sought quickly.
Get your Sodium level tested
At Celto, you can order a blood test for Sodium directly online – without a referral from your doctor and without long waiting times. We have over 34 blood collection sites at public hospitals throughout Denmark, and your samples are analyzed in the same accredited laboratories used by the rest of the healthcare system. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk, just like all other blood tests from the public system.
How it works
When you order a blood test from Celto, you choose which markers you want to be tested – no doctor's referral necessary. After your purchase, you will receive an email with a link to our booking system, where you choose a time and location. The blood sample itself is taken by authorized healthcare personnel and typically only takes a few minutes.
Where you can get tested
Celto has over 34 blood collection sites at public hospitals and clinics throughout Denmark. You choose the location that suits you best among our partners, and there are typically available appointments within a few days. Find your nearest blood collection site →
How you get your answers
Your blood samples are analyzed in the same laboratories used by your own doctor and the rest of the healthcare system, with the exact same quality and the same tests. You will receive your results directly on sundhed.dk within a few working days, and Celto will also send an easy-to-understand review of your values so you know what the numbers mean.