Sodium, Hair, Mass Concentration
This test measures the amount of sodium in a sample of hair, reported as a mass concentration. It is not a standard clinical test and its role in medical care is not well established.
["Hair sodium testing is a nonstandard measurement; interpret results only with guidance from a qualified clinician."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51205-3
- Short code
- Sodium Hair-mCnt
- Synonyms
- Sodium Hair-mCnt
- 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
What Is Being Measured
Sodium is a mineral and electrolyte that helps balance body fluids and supports nerve and muscle function. This test estimates how much sodium is present in hair, expressed as an amount per unit of hair mass.
How the Sample Is Collected
A small sample of hair is cut, usually close to the scalp, and sent to a laboratory. Collection is simple and does not involve a needle, but the exact procedure can vary by laboratory.
Why Results Are Difficult to Interpret
Hair can pick up substances from the environment, including water, shampoo, and hair products, which may affect measured sodium. Unlike blood or urine tests, there are no widely accepted standard reference ranges for hair sodium in routine medical care.
Limitations of This Test
Hair sodium is not part of standard electrolyte or nutritional assessment. Results should not be used on their own to diagnose a condition or to make decisions about treatment without evaluation by a healthcare professional.
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.
Sodium is essential for normal fluid balance and nerve and muscle function, and true sodium disorders are usually assessed with blood or urine testing ordered by a clinician. Hair sodium measurement is not a validated substitute for these standard tests, and its clinical significance remains uncertain. External contamination and lack of standardized reference methods limit interpretation, so results should be considered only as part of a broader clinical evaluation.
Short name
Hair Sodium
Frequently asked questions
Is hair sodium a routine medical test?
Can hair products affect the result?
Should I change anything based on a hair sodium result?
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