Sodium Benzoate Concentration (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the amount of sodium benzoate, a preservative and food additive, in your blood. Sodium benzoate is commonly found in processed foods, beverages, and some medications.
["Understanding your sodium benzoate level can help assess exposure to preservatives in your diet or medications."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56711-5
- Short code
- Sodium benzoate IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Sodium benzoate IgE Qn
- Category
- electrolyte
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 136
- Ref high
- 145
- Critical range
- 120 N/A – 160 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84295
- SNOMED
- 110741000
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or allergic reactions that could be linked to sodium benzoate exposure. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical scenarios to monitor specific conditions involving preservative metabolism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you are taking medications containing sodium benzoate, inform your provider beforehand.
What the Results Mean
Results are typically reported as a concentration in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL). Higher levels may indicate recent exposure to sodium benzoate, while lower levels suggest minimal presence in your system.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
Abnormally high levels might be due to recent ingestion of products containing sodium benzoate, such as certain sodas, dressings, or medications. Rarely, genetic factors or specific medical conditions could influence metabolism.
Reference range
Adult: 136-145 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Sodium Benzoate Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a sodium benzoate test measure?
When might my doctor order this test?
Is there any special preparation needed for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy