Comprehensive Guide Serum Electrolytes Test

The Serum electrolytes test is defined as a group of tests that would measure level of electrolytes within the body. The Serum electrolytes level like the sodium, the chloride, and the potassium along with bicarbonate would...

Overview

The Serum electrolytes test is defined as a group of tests that would measure the level of electrolytes within the body. The Serum electrolytes level like sodium, chloride, and potassium along with bicarbonate would help maintain the body's metabolic action steady.

Role of Sodium in Blood: It helps in maintaining the body’s fluid balance along with helping in the appropriate functioning of the nerves and muscles.

Role of Chloride in blood: It helps to maintain the constant blood volume.

Other names of the test:

The serum electrolyte test, lytes test, Sodium (Na), Potassium (K), chloride (Cl), carbon dioxide (CO2) test.

Function of Electrolytes:

1. Metabolism
2. Healthy neuronal and muscle function
3. Water balance maintenance
4. Normal blood pH (Acid-base balance)

The serum electrolyte test consists of a battery of assays that will assess sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-).

Why is the Serum Electrolytes test done? 

The Serum Electrolyte Test is carried out for the following reasons:

1. For a  routine wellness check-up or kidney disease check-up
2. To measure bodily water and pH balance issues.
3. When symptoms of neuromuscular disorders such as muscle weakness, abnormal heartbeats, or cardiac arrhythmias emerge.
4. To track the progress of hypertension, renal disease, and metabolic acidosis treatments.
5. To monitor the patients undergoing diuretics, IV fluids, or dialysis.

What is Potassium Imbalance?

There are 2 types of disorders caused by imbalance in the sodium intake. These are as follows:

Hypokalemia: Having less potassium levels (less than 3.5 mEq/L) is termed as hypokalemia.

Treatment: Treated with oral or iv potassium.

Hyperkalemia:  Having more potassium levels (more than 5.1 mEq/L) is termed as Hyperkalemia.

Treatment: intravenous calcium to prevent cardiac disturbances.

Note: Even slight differences in serum potassium levels can have a significant/ major impact on the quality of life.

Guidelines to follow before, during and after the test

Here are some guidelines an individual can refer to once they have decided to undergo Serum Electrolytes Test.

The required documents needed for this test includes your valid government ID and an appropriate Doctor’s prescription.

Before the test

1. Nothing Specific to prepare for the Serum Electrolytes Test in advance.
2. Typically, fasting is not required before the test. However, based on the different components being measured in blood, the doctor may advise a few hours of fasting before taking the test.

During the Test

Method: When blood is drawn, it is called “venipuncture”

1. At the test center, you would be requested to sit comfortably on the chair or even lie down on the cot.
2. In case of long sleeve clothing, roll up sleeve of one end or remove the arm from the sleeve of the clothing.
3. A healthcare provider, or a technician/nurse, would tie band made of rubber tightly on your upper arm.
4. Once an appropriate vein is found, a needle is inserted below the skin to take the sample.

A short sharp prick may be felt when needle puncture is made under the skin, to collect the blood sample.

After the test

1. After the blood is withdrawn, the respective technician/ healthcare professional would withdraw the needle.
2. Place pressure on puncture wound to stop the bleeding. A small bandage may also be put on the wound.
3. You would be able to return on your usual routine immediately.

Normal Range of Serum Electrolyte Components

Electrolyte	Milli equivalents per liter	Milligrams per deciliter	Millimoles per liter
-	mEq/L)	(mg/dL)	(mmol/L)
-	-	-	-
Sodium	136 - 144 mEq/L	-	136 - 144 mmol/L
Potassium	​-	-	​-
-	-	-	-
Serum (plasma)	3.7 - 5.1 mEq/L	​-	3.7 - 5.1 mmol/L
Whole blood	3.5 - 5 mEq/L	-	3.5 - 5 mmol/L
Chloride	97 - 105 mEq/L	-	97 - 105 mmol/L
Bicarbonate	22 - 30 mEq/L	-	22 - 30 mmol/L
Calcium	​-	​-	​-
-	-	-
Total	-	8.5 - 10.2 mg/dL	2.12 - 2.54 mmol/L
Ionized	2.16 - 2.60 mEq/L	-	1.08 - 1.30 mmol/L
Magnesium	​-	​-	​-
-	-	-	-
Serum (plasma)	1.4 - 1.9 mEq/L	1.7 - 2.3 mg/dL	0.7 - 0.95 mmol/L
Red blood cells	3.3 - 5.34 mEq/L	4.0 - 6.5 mg/dl	1.65 - 2.67 mmol/L
Blood gas test	0.86 - 1.32 mEq/L	1.04 - 1.6 mg/dL	0.43 - 0.66 mmol/L
Phosphate	0.87 - 1.55 mEq/L	2.7 - 4.8 mg/dL	0.87 - 1.55 mmol/L

Result Interpretation

An electrolyte imbalance usually occurs when the patient has either too high or too low level of certain minerals in the body.

This imbalance may indicate kidney disease.

Serum Electrolytes Test Price in Delhi: 

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is a one-stop solution for getting all kinds of tests done, as all services are available under one roof.

The aim of GDIC is to provide world’s finest technology at the lowest price. 

The rates of scans are reasonably priced. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre also offers FLAT 50% OFF on many tests. 

Patients can rely upon test reports as reports are 100% accurate Test/Digital Reports.

Irrespective of cost, get the done at the certified diagnostic centre where tests are performed without quality compromise with 100% accuracy.

The Serum Electrolytes Test price varies by region and facility. So constantly get tested at trustworthy diagnostic centers like Ganesh Diagnostic. It is staffed by trained and experienced professionals to assure patient and visitor safety.

Serum Electrolytes (NA, K) Test:  Rs. 450 - Rs 225 Book Now

FAQs on Serum Electrolytes Test

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are defined as substances having a natural positive or a negative electrical charge.

Functions:

1. Regulate Chemical Reactions
2. Maintain balance between the fluids (intra i.e. within and the body or within the same cell) and (inter: i.e. outside the body, or between the two cells)
3. Aids in diagnosing various underlying medical conditions and multiple diseases

Do I need to fast before the Serum Electrolyte test?

You wouldn’t need any special preparations for the electrolyte panel test.

However, if your healthcare professional combines your  electrolytes test with other blood tests, then you may be asked to fast for a  few hours prior to the test. So, please consult your doctor before getting the test done.

Are there any risks to the test?

It is seen that there is usually very little risk to getting a blood test. You may experience slight pain or a tiny bruise at the needle site, but these symptoms are usually transient and disappear soon.

What do the results mean?

The results include measurements for different electrolytes. The Abnormal Electrolyte Levels are caused by different conditions, including the following:

1. Dehydration
2. Diabetes
3. Heart Disease
4. Kidney Disease
5. Acidosis – High acid Content in the body
6. Alkalosis – Highly Alkaline Nature of Blood

What are the factors affecting Electrolyte balance?

1. Vomiting and diarrhea
2. Medication- Antacids, Medicines for maintaining Blood pressure

Should I inform the doctor if I am taking any medication?

Yes, kindly inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any medicines or any kinds of supplements as it may hinder with the result of the test.

What are Hyponatremia and Hypernatremia?

Hyponatremia: The Low levels of sodium are called Hyponatremia < 135 mEq/l (mmol/l).

Hypernatremia: The High sodium is called Hypernatremia > 145 mEq/l (mmol/l).

How can an imbalance of electrolyte levels be prevented?

1. Drink sports drink containing the electrolytes and carbohydrates only if the workout will last longer than the usual 30 minutes.
2. For less than 30 minutes, consuming sports drink can decrease beverage's benefits.
3. Regular replenishment of the body by drinking water, neither less nor in excess.

What are the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance?

The signs and symptoms of the electrolyte imbalance may include the following:

1. Headache
2. Confusion
3. Nausea,
4. Vomiting,
5. Loss of energy and  fatigue/ constant drowsiness
6. Muscle weakness and spasms or cramps
7. Seizures and coma

Does a normal result mean everything is fine, or does an abnormal result always mean I have a problem?

Usually, the normal test result is not a sign of worry. However, it is essential to discuss the test reports with a doctor, as there are specific medical conditions that mask the abnormal levels of the electrolytes, making it appear normal.

 In that case, more tests would be advised by the doctor for further assessment of the patient’s health.

What causes low chloride and sodium levels?

Chronic, or  severe vomiting and  diarrhea causing dehydration

This causes the body to lose essential electrolytes, for example sodium, and may increase the ADH levels.

Drinking excess water

As drinking excessive amount of water can also cause low sodium by pressurizing the kidneys' ability to eliminate this excess water.

How do you treat low sodium and low chloride?

Treatment

1. Intravenous fluids
2. Medications to deal with symptoms of Hyponatremia

Where should I get Serum Electrolytes Test done?

Visit the Nearest Ganesh diagnostic and Imaging Centre

At Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre, we are known for providing excellent service and care to its patients for decades. Lakhs of satisfied patients over the years!

It is an established and renowned diagnostic centre since 2001.

Their excellence is backed by NABH and NABL Accreditations. 

NABH accreditation is proof of highest standard of care and service provided to the patients. NABL accreditation reflects the competency of laboratories and equipment based on some national and international standards.

Test report is available digitally too and received within 24 hours.

Note from Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center

• Early checkups are always better than delayed ones. Safety, precaution & care are depicted in the several health checkups at our center.
• Here, at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imagining Center, we present simple & comprehensive health packages for any kind of testing to ensure the early prescribed treatment to safeguard your health.
• So, visit us at the earliest to ensure good health and to maintain an active immune system.