Serum Electrolytes Test

The result of a serum electrolyte panel test is evaluated through a blood sample taken to find the levels of electrolytes present in your circulatory system.

Test Preparation

There is no preparation needed to take the Serum Electrolyte Test. You can drink and eat as usual before taking the test. Using a small needle, your doctor will take a small blood sample from a vein in your arm. The blood will be collected into a test tube and will be sent to the laboratory for diagnosis. You may feel a slight sting when the needle is inserted. The entire test takes less than five minutes.

Test Inclusions: What Parameters Are Included?

A Serum Electrolyte Test measures the number of electrolytes in your body. The electrolytes measured in the test are:

• Sodium: Sodium is a vital electrolyte that helps your body maintain a balance between your pH and water levels. It also plays a role in cellular metabolism and supports the nerve conduction of nerve impulses. This, in turn, helps in regulating muscle contraction and relaxation. Your body absorbs the required sodium and excretes the rest via the kidney. Hence, sodium levels can give an idea about your kidney functions.

• Potassium: Potassium is an essential electrolyte that participates in several vital functions of the body. It helps in the regulation of fluids present in the body and helps in the homeostasis of pH.

• Chloride: Chloride helps in maintaining the optimum level of electrolytes and fluid in the body. It also functions as a buffer and helps in maintaining pH balance. This electrolyte plays a vital role in producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Your kidneys excrete excessive chloride after absorbing an optimal amount.

The Serum Electrolyte Test cannot evaluate organ function or disease. It only indicates some abnormality related to acid-base balance in the body. If the serum electrolyte level is higher or lower than the average value, your doctor will prescribe further tests to determine a final diagnosis.

Sodium

Hyponatremia indicates that the sodium level is below the normal range.

Hypernatremia indicates that the sodium level is above the normal range.

Potassium

Hypokalemia indicates that the potassium level is below the normal range.

Hyperkalemia indicates that the potassium level is above the normal range.

Chloride

A chloride level below the normal range is called Hypochloremia.

A chloride level above the normal range is called Hyperchloremia.

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

The results of the Serum Electrolyte Test will help your doctor in diagnosing the cause of your symptoms. Abnormal levels of electrolytes can be due to dehydration, heart disease, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Your doctor may order further tests based on which specific electrolytes showed abnormal values in the electrolyte serum test. If your electrolyte levels are not within the normal range, it does not necessarily indicate the presence of a disease.

Your test results also depend on your age, health history and gender. If you are taking medications such as diuretics, tell your doctor as that can influence your Serum Electrolyte Test values.

Factors such as taking extra fluid, excessive sweating, diarrhoea or vomiting can influence your electrolyte levels. If the imbalance affects any organ, your doctor will recommend subsequent electrolyte panel tests to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment.

For example, heart failure can cause an electrolyte imbalance. Your doctor may recommend this test to evaluate if the decided treatment is working or not.

A Serum Electrolyte Test is a method to screen your blood for an imbalance between your electrolytes. It also helps in measuring acid-base balance and evaluating kidney function. The Serum Electrolyte Test is often included in a routine physical examination and can be performed as a part of several other tests.

A Serum Electrolyte Test is prescribed for people who show signs of weakness, confusion, irregular heartbeat or dehydration. Doctors also prescribe the test to people who come to the emergency room. If the serum electrolyte results show an imbalance in a specific electrolyte, your doctor will test your levels again until it returns to normal.

The result of your Serum Electrolyte Test will help your doctor evaluate the acid-base balance in your body. Electrolytes help maintain a balance between acids and bases and govern the movement of fluids in the body.

Electrolytes that are present in our body include phosphate, potassium, sodium, calcium, chloride and magnesium. These charged electrolytes can be found in your body fluids, urine and blood. One also ingests these electrolytes via beverages and food. There are various roles of electrolytes in your body, including conducting nerve impulses, muscle contraction, preventing dehydration and so on.

Your body needs to maintain a balanced level of electrolytes for proper functioning. Electrolyte imbalances can cause severe disorders such as cramps, seizures, cardiac arrest or coma.

In case of an acid-base imbalance, your doctor will carry out further tests to measure acidity and gas levels.

Other Names of Serum Electrolytes Test

• Serum electrolyte panel test
• Electrolyte panel test

What Does the Serum Electrolyte Test Measure and Who is it Prescribed to?

The Serum Electrolyte Test measures the levels of three electrolytes: Chloride, Sodium and Potassium.

A doctor may recommend a Serum Electrolyte Test if a person shows the following symptoms:

• Irregular heartbeat
• Fatigue
• Fast heart rate
• Convulsions or seizures
• Nausea
• Dehydration
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Muscle cramps
• Acid-base imbalance
• Lethargy
• Confusion
• Muscle weakness
• Headaches
• Numbness and tingling

Some conditions for which a Serum Electrolyte Test can be prescribed are:

• Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Kidney diseases
• Lung diseases
• Heart conditions

You may also be recommended to take the Serum Electrolyte Test if you have been prescribed medications such as diuretics (water pills) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors used to treat high blood pressure. These medications can cause fluctuations in your electrolyte levels.

The results of your electrolyte panel test can also indicate if ongoing treatment is working for you. For example, in the case of kidney disorders, an electrolyte serum test will help the doctor assess the kidney’s functioning.

Cardiovascular disorders, Kidney disorders, Seizures

The pricing for a Serum Electrolytes test fluctuates based on the location and the laboratory. Typically, the cost of a Serum Electrolytes test falls within the range of INR 339 to INR 769. Here's a detailed breakdown of the average charges for a Serum Electrolytes test in various major cities across India: