Electrolytes Test

Electrolytes Test- Why am I having this test?

Electrolytes are minerals in your body that help keep the amount of water in your body in balance. They also help move nutrients into, and waste out of, the body, and help muscles and nerves function properly.

You may have an electrolytes test, also called an electrolytes panel, as part of a routine health screening. You may also have this test if your health care provider thinks that you may have an electrolyte imbalance.

What is being tested?

An electrolytes test usually checks levels of:

  • Potassium (K+).
  • Sodium (Na+).
  • Chloride (Cl-).
  • Bicarbonate (HCO3-).

What kind of sample is taken?

A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel. In some cases, a urine sample may also be required.

How do I prepare for this test?

Tell your health care provider about all medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines can affect electrolyte levels.

How are the results reported?

Your test results will be reported as values that indicate your electrolyte levels. Electrolytes are measured in milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges vary among different electrolytes, labs, and hospitals. For this test, common reference ranges for an adult are:

  • Potassium (K+): 3.5–5 mEq/L or 3.5–5 mmol/L.
  • Sodium (Na+): 136–145 mEq/L or 136–145 mmol/L.
  • Chloride (Cl-): 98–106 mEq/L or 98–106 mmol/L.
  • Bicarbonate (HCO3-): 23–30 mEq/L or 23–30 mmol/L.

What do the results mean?

Results that are within the reference range are considered normal. Electrolyte levels that are above or below the normal range mean that you have an electrolyte imbalance. Your health care provider may do more tests to determine how to correct your imbalance.

Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.

Questions to ask your health care provider

Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:

  • When will my results be ready?
  • How will I get my results?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What other tests do I need?
  • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • Electrolytes are minerals in your body that help keep the amount of water in your body in balance. They also help move nutrients into, and waste out of, the body, and help muscles and nerves function properly.
  • Tell your health care provider about all medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines. Some medicines can affect electrolyte levels.
  • Electrolyte levels that are above or below the normal range mean that you have an electrolyte imbalance. Your health care provider may do more tests to determine how to correct your imbalance.
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