1. What is Sodium Correction?

The sodium correction formula adjusts measured serum sodium levels in the presence of hyperglycemia. High glucose levels cause osmotic shifts that dilute sodium, making the measured value appear lower than the actual concentration.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sodium correction formula:

Where:

• \( Na \) — Measured serum sodium (mEq/L)
• \( Glucose \) — Serum glucose level (mg/dL)

Explanation: For every 100 mg/dL increase in glucose above 100 mg/dL, serum sodium decreases by approximately 1.6 mEq/L.

3. Importance of Sodium Correction

Details: Correcting sodium in hyperglycemic patients is essential for accurate assessment of hyponatremia or hypernatremia, which affects treatment decisions and neurological outcomes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter measured sodium in mEq/L and glucose in mg/dL. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is sodium correction needed?
A: High glucose pulls water into the intravascular space, diluting sodium. The correction estimates the sodium level that would exist if glucose were normal.

Q2: What's the difference between 1.6 and 2.4 correction factors?
A: The 1.6 factor is more accurate for typical hyperglycemia. The older 2.4 factor overcorrects in most cases.

Q3: When should I use this correction?
A: Use when glucose is >100 mg/dL. The effect is minimal below this threshold.

Q4: Does this apply to point-of-care glucose measurements?
A: Yes, but ensure your glucose measurement is from the same time as the sodium measurement.

Q5: How does this affect treatment decisions?
A: Corrected sodium determines if true hyponatremia exists, which may require different management than pseudohyponatremia of hyperglycemia.