Corrected Sodium Calculator

How to Use

1. Enter the measured serum sodium level from laboratory results
2. Enter the current blood glucose level
3. Select the appropriate units for both sodium and glucose measurements
4. Click Calculate to see the corrected sodium value and interpretation

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I use the corrected sodium calculator?

Use this calculator whenever a patient has both hyperglycemia (glucose >100 mg/dL) and a measured sodium level that appears low or borderline. It's particularly important in diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or any condition with significant hyperglycemia. The corrected value helps determine if hyponatremia is real or due to glucose-induced water shifts.

What is the difference between measured and corrected sodium?

Measured sodium is the laboratory value obtained from blood testing. It may be artificially lowered when glucose is elevated because high glucose draws water into the bloodstream, diluting sodium. Corrected sodium adjusts for this dilutional effect to estimate what the sodium would be if glucose were normal. A normal corrected sodium despite low measured sodium indicates pseudohyponatremia.

Is the correction accurate for all glucose levels?

The correction formula is most accurate for glucose levels between 100-600 mg/dL in steady-state conditions. It may be less reliable during rapid changes in glucose or at extremely high glucose levels. Additionally, the formula assumes normal plasma osmolality otherwise and may need clinical judgment in complex cases with multiple osmotic disturbances. Always interpret results in the full clinical context.