Natural minerals having an electric charge are called electrolytes. They are naturally present in the human body and ingested through foods and drinks. Numerous diagnostic tests can show electrolyte abnormalities. Dehydration caused by inadequate fluid intake or extreme heat is just one example of a possible underlying cause. Other factors can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances. An electrolytes test enables the doctor to understand if there is an imbalance. They can then take steps to correct it.
What is the purpose of electrolytes?
Electrolytes assist in maintaining balance in your body at the most fundamental chemical level. The idea behind electrolytes is that some chemical components contain a positive or negative electrical charge. When a liquid contains those elements dissolved in it, the liquid becomes electrically conductible. It allows the contraction of your muscles because your cells employ electrolytes to carry electrical charges. These electrical charges also aid chemical reactions, particularly for hydration and the equilibrium of fluids within and outside of cells.
The key components in electrolytes
Your body requires several essential components to maintain appropriate electrolyte levels. They could be either positive (+) or negative (-). ( -) These important elements include –
- Sodium (+)
- Magnesium (+)
- Potassium (+)
- Calcium (+)
- Chloride (-)
- Phosphate (-)
Types of tests to measure electrolyte levels
Numerous lab tests can help find electrolyte issues. A metabolic panel is a more comprehensive test that is frequently used. For abnormal results, your doctor could suggest additional testing to help identify the problem causing the electrolyte imbalance. These follow-up exams are crucial. The precise reason for an electrolyte imbalance can involve a therapy method that is ineffective for other reasons. Blood tests such as the primary or comprehensive metabolic panel are broader tests to identify electrolyte issues.
Electrolytes Test Panel
Focused electrolyte issues are more comprehensive than the metabolic panels mentioned above. However, they only check for electrolytes. The electrolytes examined are potassium, sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate. They cover different tests, including the Aldosterone blood test, Blood osmolality test; Urine osmolality test, Urine concentration test, etc.
Normal range of electrolyte levels –
The following electrolyte concentrations are considered typical in blood:
| Electrolyte | Milliequivalents per liter
mEq/L) |
Milligrams per deciliter
(mg/dL) |
Millimoles per liter
(mmol/L) |
| Sodium | 136 – 144 mEq/L | – | 136 – 144 mmol/L |
| Potassium
· Serum (plasma) · Whole blood |
3.7 – 5.1 mEq/L 3.5 – 5 mEq/L |
–
|
3.7 – 5.1 mmol/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 · Ionized |
– 2.16 – 2.60 mEq/L |
8.5 – 10.2 mg/dL |
2.12 – 2.54 mmol/L 1.08 – 1.30 mmol/L |
| Magnesium
· Serum (plasma) · Red blood cells · Blood gas test |
1.4 – 1.9 mEq/L 3.3 – 5.34 mEq/L 0.86 – 1.32 mEq/L |
1.7 – 2.3 mg/dL 4.0 – 6.5 mg/dl 1.04 – 1.6 mg/dL |
0.7 – 0.95 mmol/L 1.65 – 2.67 mmol/L 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 |
The following electrolyte concentrations are considered typical in blood:
| Electrolyte | Milligrams per deciliter
(mg/dL) |
Millimoles per liter
(mmol/L) |
| Sodium
· Urine (random) · Urine (timed) · Urine (24-hour) |
– |
14 – 216 mmol/L 2 – 9 mmol/hour* 40 – 220 mmol/24-hour* |
| Potassium
· Urine (random) · Urine (timed) · Urine (24-hour) |
– |
10 – 160 mmol/L 1 – 4 mmol/hour* 30 – 99 mmol/24-hour* |
| Chloride
· Urine (random) · Urine (24-hour) · Sweat |
– |
16 – 250 mmol/L 110 – 250 mmol/24-hour* Less than 30 mmol/L |
| Bicarbonate | – | N/A |
| Calcium
· Urine (random) · Urine (timed) · Urine (24-hour) |
0.0 – 21.0 mg/dL 4.2 – 12.5 mg/hour* 100 – 300 mg/24-hour* (These vary based on the diet) |
– |
| Magnesium
· Urine (random) · Urine (24-hour) · Stool (random) · Stool (24-hour) |
23.2 mg/dL or less 12 – 291 mg/24-hour* 0 – 110 mg/dL 0 – 355 mg/24-hour* (Stool must be liquid) |
– |
| Phosphate
· Urine (random) |
7 – 140 mg/dL |
– |
What do these ranges imply?
You might occasionally have a result that is beyond the reference range. In other instances, you can get an average effect. But your symptoms and the findings of additional tests may indicate a health issue.
If any symptoms connected to a test on your electrolyte levels suddenly alter, you should always contact your doctor.
Conclusion
Electrolytes play a crucial role in your body’s functioning, impacting everything from hydration to heart rate. They can also assist medical professionals in making several diagnoses.
Being aware of electrolytes and the associated problems can help you take better care of your health.
Read Also: What is the CRP Test? Why Is It Necessary?
