Corrected Sodium Calculator
Calculate Corrected Serum Sodium in patients with hyperglycemia using measured sodium and blood glucose values. Includes clinical interpretation.
Calculation Result
Formula
Corrected Sodium Formula
Corrected Sodium = Measured Sodium + Correction Factor × ((Glucose − 100) ÷ 100)
Common correction factors are 1.6 or 2.4 mEq/L for every 100 mg/dL increase in glucose above 100 mg/dL.
Corrected Sodium Interpretation
| Corrected Sodium | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| <135 mmol/L | Hyponatremia |
| 135–145 mmol/L | Normal |
| >145 mmol/L | Hypernatremia |
Clinical Significance
Hyperglycemia causes water to move from the intracellular space into the extracellular space, resulting in dilution of measured serum sodium. Corrected sodium estimates the sodium concentration after accounting for the effect of elevated blood glucose.
Corrected sodium may be useful when evaluating patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS), and significant hyperglycemia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is sodium corrected in hyperglycemia?
High blood glucose causes water to shift from cells into the extracellular space, which can lower the measured serum sodium concentration.
Which correction factor should be used?
A traditional correction factor is 1.6 mEq/L for each 100 mg/dL increase in glucose above 100 mg/dL. Some clinicians use 2.4 mEq/L, particularly with marked hyperglycemia.
When should corrected sodium be calculated?
Corrected sodium may be considered when significant hyperglycemia is present, particularly during evaluation of DKA, HHS, and uncontrolled diabetes.
Clinical Applications
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
- Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State (HHS)
- Hyperglycemia assessment
- Electrolyte interpretation
- Fluid management assessment
- Critical care evaluation
Disclaimer
This calculator is intended for educational and laboratory reference purposes only. It should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Clinical decisions should be based on the complete clinical picture and applicable medical guidelines.
References
- Hillier TA, Abbott RD, Barrett EJ. Hyponatremia: Evaluating the Correction Factor for Hyperglycemia.
- American Diabetes Association (ADA) Standards of Care.
- Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics.
- Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods.
