Electrolytes are minerals found in blood, tissue, urine and other body fluids. You also get electrolytes from foods, drinks and supplements. Electrolytes get their name because they give off an electrical charge when they dissolve in body fluids.
Symptoms of electrolyte imbalances can vary depending on which electrolyte is affected and whether the levels are too high or too low. Common symptoms include:
Muscle weakness or cramps: Especially in the case of low potassium or magnesium levels.
Fatigue: Electrolyte imbalances can affect energy levels.
Irregular heartbeat: Both low and high levels of electrolytes can disrupt the heart's rhythm.
Confusion or changes in mental status: Particularly in cases of severe electrolyte disturbances.
Nausea and vomiting: Especially with abnormalities in sodium levels.
Thirst or dry mouth: Associated with dehydration, which often involves electrolyte imbalances.
When will I get the test results from an electrolyte panel?
It may take several days for results to come back from a lab. Your healthcare provider will go over the results with you.
What are the normal ranges for electrolytes?
Your age, sex and preexisting health conditions can affect test results. And laboratories often use different methods for measuring electrolytes. This means results can vary from lab to lab.
Labs measure electrolytes by looking at the concentration of the substance in a specific amount of blood. In general, these are the normal ranges for electrolytes:
Sodium: 136 to 144 mmol/L.
Potassium: 3.7 to 5.1 mmol/L.
Calcium: In adults, 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL.
Chloride: 97 to 105 mmol/L.
Magnesium: 1.7 to 2.2 mg/dL.
Phosphate: 2.5 to 4.8 mg/dL.
Bicarbonate: 22 to 30 mmol/L.
What happens if the electrolyte panel shows an electrolyte imbalance?
An electrolyte reading above or below the normal range doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a problem that needs treatment. Depending on your symptoms or preexisting health condition, your provider may order additional tests.
These tests may include:
Anion gap test, which uses results from the electrolyte panel to measure the difference (or gap) between electrolytes that have a positive charge and those that carry a negative charge. A gap that is too high or low (negative) may indicate a problem with your lungs, kidneys or other organs.
Blood gas test, which measures oxygen, carbon dioxide and acidity in your blood. It can help pinpoint the cause of an acid-base imbalance, such as a lung or kidney problem. The test requires a blood draw.
What should I ask my healthcare provider?
You may want to ask your provider:
Why do I need this test?
Do I need to fast, stop smoking or not take medicines before I get the test?
When will I get the test results?
Should I be concerned about the test results?
Will I need additional tests?
How often do I need an electrolyte blood test?
Some tests measure only one specific type of electrolyte. Your provider may order this test to confirm or rule out a suspected condition.
An electrolyte panel checks the levels of multiple minerals in your blood, including:
Sodium: Controls fluid levels and aids nerve and muscle function.
Potassium: Supports heart, nerve and muscle function, as well as metabolism.
Chloride: Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and body fluid levels.
Magnesium: Aids nerve and muscle function and promotes the growth of bones and teeth (skeletal system).
Phosphate: Develops healthy teeth and bones and aids nerve and muscle function.
Bicarbonate: Maintains a healthy balance of acids and basic alkaline compounds in blood (acid-base balance). It also moves carbon dioxide through your bloodstream.
Do you need to fast for an electrolyte panel (electrolyte blood test)?
Typically, you don’t have to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) before getting an electrolyte blood test. But your healthcare provider may ask you to fast if the lab will be measuring other substances in your blood sample like cholesterol or blood sugar.
What happens during an electrolyte blood test?
An electrolyte panel is a relatively simple blood draw. The test may take place in a healthcare provider’s office, blood testing lab or hospital. A phlebotomist (a specialist trained in drawing blood) or another provider will take the blood sample.
How should I prepare for an electrolyte blood test?
These steps can help a blood draw go smoothly:
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids before the test to help blood flow easier through blood vessels.
Avoid nicotine: Don’t smoke (including vaping) before a blood draw. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, making it more difficult to insert the needle into a vein.
Speak up: Let your provider know if you have a fear of needles (trypanophobia) or a fear of blood (hemophobia). There are steps they can take to make the blood draw easier for you.
What should I expect after an electrolyte blood test?
You should wear the bandage for two to four hours to prevent infection. There may be slight inflammation (swelling) or bruising at the needle site, which will go away in a few days.
You can take these steps to minimize bruising or discomfort:
Avoid lifting heavy items or exercising vigorously for 24 hours after the blood draw.
What are the risks of an electrolyte blood test?
A blood test carries little risk. You may experience a drop in blood pressure during a blood draw. Low blood pressure (hypotension) can make you dizzy or nauseous. Tell your provider if you feel unwell or like you might faint. Your provider can take steps, like reclining you backward, to prevent or alleviate these problems.
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