Electrolytes Panel Test

clinical definition of electrolytes panel

The electrolyte test typically measures key electrolytes in the body i.e. Sodium (Na+), Potassium (K+), Chloride (Cl-) and Bicarbonate (or total CO2). Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals found in body tissues and blood stream. They facilitate in nutrients entering the body and waste to be removed out from body cells. Electrolytes help to maintain a healthy water equilibrium, muscle activity and stabilize the body’s pH level.

when do you expect results?

24 to 36 Hours

why get tested?

The electrolyte test is generally ordered as part routine health checks, to diagnose or assess treatment of a fluid and electrolyte imbalance in the body. Assessing the ions in the electrolyte panel also helps to assess problems such as high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, and liver and kidney disease.

reason to take electrolytes panel test

Symptoms associated are:

Swelling from excessive accumulation of watery fluid (Edema)
Nausea
Weakness
Confusion
Dizziness
Cramps
Irregular heartbeat

preparations needed for electrolytes panel test

Preparatory instructions before the test *:

No Fasting Required.
No other special preparations required.

sample required?

Specimen type: Serum (Blood Sample),

Specimen collection procedure: Venipuncture - Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm.

Understanding results ofElectrolytes Panel

Reference Range	Interpretation
"Sodium: 136to145mmol/L Potassium: 3.4 to 4.5mmol/L Chloride: 98 to 107mmol/L Bicarbonate: 21 - 32 mmol/L"	(6months - 1 yr)
"Sodium: 136to145mmol/L Potassium: 3.4 to 4.5mmol/L Chloride: 98 to 107mmol/L Bicarbonate: 21 - 32 mmol/L"	(1 - 6 )months
"Sodium: 132to141mmol/L Potassium: 3.4 to 4.5mmol/L Chloride: 97 to 107mmol/L Bicarbonate: 16 - 25 mmol/L"	>1 Yr
"Sodium: 136to145mmol/L Potassium: 3.4 to 4.5mmol/L Chloride: 98 to 107mmol/L Bicarbonate: 21 - 32 mmol/L"	Male
"Sodium: 136to145mmol/L Potassium: 3.4 to 4.5mmol/L Chloride: 98 to 107mmol/L Bicarbonate: 21 - 32 mmol/L"	(7-31)days
"Sodium: 136to145mmol/L Potassium: 3.4 to 4.5mmol/L Chloride: 98 to 107mmol/L Bicarbonate: 21 - 32 mmol/L"	(0-7)days
"Sodium: 136to145mmol/L Potassium: 3.4 to 4.5mmol/L Chloride: 98 to 107mmol/L Bicarbonate: 21 - 32 mmol/L"	Female

‘*A Reference range is a set of values which helps the healthcare professional to interpret a medical test. It may vary with age, gender, and other factors. Reference ranges may also vary between labs, in value & units depending on instruments used and method of establishment of reference ranges’