Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Induction of Nephrotic Syndrome in Mice by Retrobulbar Injection of Doxorubicin and Prevention of Volume Retention by Sustained Release Aprotinin
Published on: May 6, 2018
Effect of low protein concentration on serum sodium measurement: pseudohypernatraemia and pseudonormonatraemia!
T Lang1, P Prinsloo, A F Broughton
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Nottingham City Hospital NHS Trust, UK.
Background:
The effect of high concentrations of protein or lipid on the measurement of plasma sodium by indirect ion selective electrode (ISE) causing pseudohyponatraemia and pseudonormonatraemia is well described. The effect of a low total protein concentration, however, has not been described.
Methods:
In order to examine this, over a 2-week period the total protein concentration was measured on all samples received for urea and electrolyte measurement. All samples with a low (<50 g/L) or a high (> 80 g/L) total protein concentration had sodium measured by both direct and indirect ISE.
Results:
There were approximately equal numbers of samples with a protein concentration less than 50 g/L (1.3%) as samples with a protein concentration greater than 80 g/L (1.3%). The frequency of erroneous sodium results owing to the use of an indirect ISE was less in hypoproteinaemic (2%) than in hyperproteinaemic (20%) samples.
Related Concept Videos
Nephrotic Syndrome II : Assessment and Medical Management
Regulation of Sodium and Potassium
Sodium Regulation
Sodium ions make up approximately 90% of extracellular cations, with a normal blood plasma concentration of 136–148 mEq/L. A decrease in blood volume and pressure triggers the release of renin from granular cells in the juxtaglomerular complex (JGC), primarily in...
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Chronic Kidney Disease III: Interprofessional Care
Overview of Protein Metabolism
Amino acids play various roles in the body once they are absorbed into cells. They are restructured...