Serum Electrolytes

• Overview:

What is this test?

Serum electrolytes is a laboratory test performed on a blood sample to measure the amount of Potassium, sodium, and Chloride in the blood. Electrolytes are charged chemicals essential for normal nerve and muscle functioning and maintaining acid-base balance in the body.

Why is this test performed?

This test is performed:

1. As a part of routine health check-up
2. To help in the diagnosis of electrolyte imbalance in the body
3. To help in the diagnosis of fluid imbalance body
4. Electrolyte imbalance in the body may help in the diagnosis of following diseases:

• High blood pressure
• Kidney diseases
• Liver diseases
• Heart diseases.

• Collecting sample: A healthcare professional will collect blood from your vein into a test tube or from the heel stick, in the case of infants.
• The sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

1. What are the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance?

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Convulsions
• Seizures

2. How to prepare for this test?

No special preparations are required for this test. However, inform your doctor about your complete medical and drug history. Wear a short-sleeved shirt to aid the collection of sample.

3. What are the symptoms of hypernatremia (high sodium levels)?

• Increased thirst
• Swelling in feet and hands
• Unexplained weakness
• Fatigue
• Irregular heartbeat

4. What are the symptoms of hyponatremia (low sodium levels)?

• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite
• Hallucinations

5. What are the symptoms of high potassium levels?

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Muscle weakness.

6. What are the symptoms of low potassium levels?

• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Muscle cramps
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Irregular heartbeat.

Normal range:

Potassium: 3.5 to 5 mmol/L

Sodium: 135 to 145 mmol/L

Chloride: 98 to 106 mmol/L

• Interpretation of test results:

Causes of abnormal electrolyte levels:

• Kidney disease
• Dehydration
• Acidosis
• Alkalosis
• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Diabetes

WHY GET TESTED?

•  The serum electrolyte test is used to identify electrolyte, fluid, or pH imbalance (acidosis or alkalosis).
• It is frequently ordered as part of a routine health exam.
• The results help to investigate conditions that cause electrolyte imbalances, such as dehydration, kidney diseases, lung diseases, or heart conditions.
• This test is used to monitor conditions causing an electrolyte imbalance.