Sodium (single reagent)

Intended use

Biostep Diagnostic’s Sodium reagent is intended for the in-vitro quantitative diagnostic estimation of sodium in human serum on manual systems.

Background

Sodium and Potassium are the major cations of extracellular and intracellular fluids respectively. Sodium maintains the normal distribution of water and the osmotic pressure in the various fluid compartments. Potassium influences the acid base balance and osmotic pressure including water retention. Increased sodium levels are found in severe dehydration and excessive treatment with sodium salts. Decreased levels are found in severe polyuria, metabolic acidosis, diarrhea and renal insufficiency. Increased potassium levels are found in renal failure, dehydration, shock and adrenal insufficiency. Decreased levels are found in mal nutrition, gastrointestinal fluid loss, and hyperactivity of the adrenal cortex.