Electrolytes Serum Test

Serum Electrolyte Test

It is a blood test which is used to measure electrolytes level in the blood. It also called as electrolyte panel. Electrolytes are minerals that are found in body tissues and blood in the form of dissolved salts. For healthy life proper levels of these electrolytes in the body plays a crucial role. They help in proper functioning of nerves and muscles, help to maintain normal blood pressure and ph. etc.

Why is electrolyte test prescribed?

Electrolyte levels are affected by diet, kidney status, body hydration, physical exercise, some hormones such as aldosterone (which conserves sodium and promotes the elimination of potassium) and natriuretic peptides (which increase elimination of sodium by the kidneys), diseased states such as diabetes, chronic kidney and lung disorders etc.

What are the components of this test?

This test measures blood level of main electrolytes as mentioned above .

Sodium most of the body's sodium is found in the fluid outside of the body's cells, where it helps to regulate the amount of water in the body.

Potassium This electrolyte is found mainly inside the body's cells. A small but vital amount of potassium is found in the plasma, the liquid portion of the blood. Potassium plays an important role in regulating muscle contraction. Monitoring potassium is important as small changes in the potassium level can affect the heart's rhythm and ability to contract.

Chloride This electrolyte moves in and out of the cells to help maintain electrical neutrality (concentrations of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions must be equal) and its level usually mirrors that of sodium. Due to its close association with sodium, chloride also helps to regulate the distribution of water in the body.

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