What serum electrolytes means?
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What serum electrolytes means?
What is Serum Electrolyte? Electrolytes are minerals which are present in the blood and body tissues. They are essential for metabolism, for proper nerve and muscle functioning, for maintenance of proper water balance, and proper blood pH (acid-base balance).
What is normal range of serum electrolytes?
| NORMAL ADULT LABORATORY VALUES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Electrolytes, serum | ||
| Sodium | 136-146 mEq/L (136-146 mmol/L) | |
| Chloride | 96-106 mmol/L | |
| Potassium | 3.5-4.5 mEq/L (3.5-4.5 mmol/L) |
Why do we use serum electrolytes?
An electrolyte panel, also known as a serum electrolyte test, is a blood test that measures levels of the body’s main electrolytes: Sodium, which helps control the amount of fluid in the body. It also helps your nerves and muscles work properly. Chloride, which also helps control the amount of fluid in the body.
How will you measure serum electrolytes?
In routine application, serum electrolytes are measured by the indirect ion-sensing (ISE) method using auto-analyzers (AA) located in the central laboratories of hospitals.
How do I know if I have an electrolyte imbalance?
Signs of a serious electrolyte imbalance include:
- blood pressure changes.
- shortness of breath.
- confusion.
- fatigue.
- nausea and vomiting.
- rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- weakness or difficulty moving.
- frequent or infrequent urination.
How do you fix electrolyte imbalance?
Treatment of An Electrolyte Imbalance: Intravenous fluids, electrolyte replacement. A Minor electrolyte imbalance may be corrected by diet changes. For example; eating a diet rich in potassium if you have low potassium levels, or restricting your water intake if you have a low blood sodium level.
What are the symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance?
Symptoms of electrolyte disorders
- irregular heartbeat.
- fast heart rate.
- fatigue.
- lethargy.
- convulsions or seizures.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- diarrhea or constipation.
Why would a doctor order an electrolyte panel?
Your doctor may use this test to check on or diagnose a medical condition. Your doctor can also use an electrolyte panel to see if any medicines that you take have changed your electrolyte levels. An electrolyte panel measures the blood levels of carbon dioxide, chloride, potassium, and sodium.
How do you know if your low on electrolytes?
If your blood test results indicate an altered potassium, magnesium, sodium, or calcium levels, you may experience muscle spasm, weakness, twitching, or convulsions. Blood test results showing low levels may lead to: irregular heartbeat, confusion, blood pressure changes, nervous system or bone disorders.
What does low electrolytes feel like?
Is drinking too much electrolytes bad for You?
Although very rare, drinking too much water can be dangerous. More specifically, it isn’t drinking too much water that’s bad, but the imbalance of water to electrolytes in your body after consuming large amounts.
What are the normal levels of electrolytes?
Sodium, or Na, is one of the most important electrolytes in the body and is responsible for a number of important functions, mostly related to fluid and water regulation. The normal accepted range for sodium is 134 to 145 mEq/L.
What happens when your body is low on electrolytes?
When you lose fluids through sweat, urination, diarrhea or vomiting, you also lose electrolytes. If you have an inadequate diet, you may also lack electrolytes. Low electrolytes can cause severe health complications and become life-threatening. Fatigue commonly accompanies an electrolyte imbalance.
What are the names of all electrolytes?
Sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate are examples of electrolytes. In medicine, electrolyte replacement is needed when a person has prolonged vomiting or diarrhea, and as a response to strenuous athletic activity.