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Electrolyte Test Details
Electrolytes are minerals contain a natural positive or negative electric charge that controls different important functions. Most common electrolytes are
Types of Electrolytes
Fluids in our body contain electrolytes. They are present in blood, sweat, and urine. The most common types of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Let’s find out about them in detail.
- Sodium: It helps body cells maintain the right balance of fluid.
- Calcium: It builds bones, regulates heart rhythm, transmits nerve signals, and ensures muscle control.
- Phosphate: It moves compounds and molecules from cells.
- Chloride: It maintains healthy blood pressure and fluid levels in the body.
- Magnesium: It promotes the growth of bones and teeth and also aids nerve and muscle function.
- Bicarbonate balances the body’s pH level to prevent alkalosis and acidosis.
- Potassium supports the smooth functioning of the heart, nerves, and muscles. It is also responsible for moving nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells.
Each electrolyte has a specific role and is important for the proper functioning of our body. Any electrolyte imbalance in our body can happen for various reasons, like diarrhea, vomiting, or excessive sweating. It may be a sign of heart, lung, or kidney problems.
Your physician may order an electrolyte panel test, also known as a serum electrolyte test, to diagnose the root cause of high or low electrolyte levels.
Need for a Serum Electrolyte Test
An electrolyte panel test is suggestive, as it is helpful in various situations. Since the presence of electrolytes is vital for the smooth functioning of our body. Besides ordering a serum electrolyte test as a routine screening test, it is needed because:
- An electrolyte imbalance may occur because your physician wants to monitor the functioning of your liver and kidneys.
- It helps check brain and heart health.
- It is also suitable for monitoring electrolyte levels in sugar patients.
- The test is also helpful in assessing symptoms such as loss of appetite, dizziness, or fatigue.
Method Involving Serum Electrolyte Test
During an electrolyte panel or serum electrolyte test, a healthcare professional uses a needle to take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is collected in a test tube or vial.
Points to be Remembered
- No fasting is necessary before the electrolyte test unless your doctor wants to check your cholesterol or fasting blood sugar level.
- Stay hydrated before the test is performed for the smooth flow of blood through blood vessels.
- Ensure you don’t smoke, as nicotine compresses blood vessels, making it more difficult for the healthcare professional to insert the needle into the vein.
What does the serum electrolyte test show?
The electrolyte panel or serum electrolyte test will show the levels of electrolytes in mmol/L. The normal range for a serum electrolyte test is:
Sodium: 136 to 144 mmol/L.
Potassium: 3.7 to 5.1 mmol/L.
Calcium: in adults, 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
Chloride: 97 to 105 mmol/L.
