The human body carries many electrolytes, which are the minerals that are electrically charged in the tissues and blood. Electrolytes make it easy for the nutrients to enter the body and thereby waste gets removed from the cells in the body. Proper nerve and muscle activity, healthy water balance, and stabilizing pH levels in the body are maintained with the help of electrolytes. There are many key electrolytes in the body as Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, etc. One way to know your electrolytes is an electrolyte panel test.
What Is An Electrolyte Panel Test?
Electrolyte Panel Test is a test carried on the human body to measure the electrolytes in the body. The electrolyte panel test is also known as Electrolyte Panel or Serum Electrolyte test. The test is prescribed by your doctor as a part of your body examination or some other times, this test is also done as a part of some comprehensive tests.
Why Is The Test Done?
An electrolyte panel test may be prescribed to understand the treatment given for any electrolyte and fluid imbalance, during regular health checks. This test is helpful in assessing certain problems like hypertension, heart failure, kidney diseases, liver diseases, etc.
It may be needed if you show any symptoms that represent an imbalance in your body electrolytes like;
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Excess accumulation of watery fluids leading to swelling
- Cramps
- Confusion
- Weakness
- Irregularity in heartbeat
How To Prepare For The Test?
The Electrolyte Panel needs no prior preparation. There is no need for fasting also. In a few cases, your medical practitioner may ask you to not eat anything or drink anything apart from the water before 6 to 8 hours for the test. Also, be sure to inform of any medicines, drugs, herbs, vitamin supplements that you’re taking, so that your doctor may suggest a pause of those before the test so as to avoid any fluctuations in test results. A preview of your complete medical history is to be detailed to your Doctor in advance.
Electrolyte Panel Test Procedure
This is a blood test and the mentioned specimen type serum is tested during the test.
The lab technician collects blood samples from the veins, usually at your arm by using a needle. A small sample of blood is drawn with the needle from the vein into a test tube. A little stinging is felt during the insertion and removal of the needle. This process won’t take more than 5 to 10 minutes.
The collected blood sample is sent to the lab for further tests. The test results are normally expected in 2 to 3 days.
Usually, all the electrolytes are together measured. But, if the Doctor suspects an imbalance or any concern with a specific electrolyte, then that particular electrolyte is also measured.
Electrolyte Panel Test Normal Range
The test results may vary depending on different factors like the patients’ gender, age, previous health conditions, the method used for testing the sample, and many others as such. Your health care provider gives an opinion about your results.
Electrolyte Panel results can be mentioned in mb/dL or mEq/L or mmol/L.
| Reference Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| N: 136 to145 mmol/L K: 3.4 to 4.5 mmol/L Cl: 98 to 107 mmol/L HCO3-: 21 – 32 mmol/L |
(6months – 1 year) |
| N: 136 to145 mmol/L K: 3.4 to 4.5 mmol/L Cl: 98 to 107 mmol/L HCO3-: 21 – 32 mmol/L |
(1 – 6) months |
| N: 136 to141 mmol/L K: 3.4 to 4.5 mmol/L Cl: 97 to 107 mmol/L HCO3-: 16 – 25 mmol/L |
>1 Year |
| N: 136 to145 mmol/L K: 3.4 to 4.5 mmol/L Cl: 98 to 107 mmol/L HCO3-: 21 – 32 mmol/L |
Male |
| N: 136 to145 mmol/L K: 3.4 to 4.5 mmol/L Cl: 98 to 107 mmol/L HCO3-: 21 – 32 mmol/L |
(7-31) days |
| N: 136 to145 mmol/L K: 3.4 to 4.5 mmol/L Cl: 98 to 107 mmol/L HCO3-: 21 – 32 mmol/L |
(0-7) days |
| N: 136 to145 mmol/L
K: 3.4 to 4.5 mmol/L Cl: 98 to 107 mmol/L HCO3-: 21 – 32 mmol/L |
Female |
What Do Abnormal Results Mean?
As shown in the table above, results include values measured for each electrolyte tested.
At times, abnormality in the electrolyte levels may be noticed due to health conditions like;
- Dehydration
- Heart problems
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes
- Acidosis, causing nausea, vomiting, dizziness, etc.
- Alkalosis, causing irritations, twitching in muscles, fingers, and toes tingling, etc.
Your electrolyte panel test results specifically depend on the electrolyte that is affected and if the results are too high or low. Also, abnormal doesn’t always mean a medical problem. Your health care practitioner is the best to talk too about your results as they are aware of your body conditions.
Sudheendra is a passionate blogger for 8 years and holds a Degree in Journalism & Mass Communications. His writings particularly focus on health, medicine, diet & lifestyle. For him, everything that interlinks and relates to health & medical world entices him. His write-ups aim at educating people not by just giving facts but by infusing human touch.
