Electrolytes ionized (Na, K, Ca, Cl ) panel | Laboratory research

General Information

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help control fluid levels and acid-base balance in the body. They also contribute to muscle and nervous system activity, controlling heart rate and other important functions. An electrolyte panel, also known as a serum electrolyte test, is a blood test that measures the levels of major electrolytes in the body:

• Sodium - contributes to fluid control in the body and ensures proper functioning of muscles and nerves.
• Potassium - Potassium is essential for the regulation of heart function. In addition, it ensures the proper functioning of nervous tissues and muscles.
• Chloride – Plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance inside and outside the cell structure.
• Calcium - Calcium ions play an important role in the transmission of nerve impulses, muscle contraction, heart function and coagulation processes.

The electrolyte balance in the body can be disturbed by any person, but there are conditions that are risk factors for the development of the mentioned pathology. these are:

• excessive use of alcohol;
• cirrhosis;
• Congestive heart failure;
• Kidney diseases;
• eating disorders - anorexia, bulimia;
• Trauma – severe burns or broken bones;
• Dysfunction of thyroid and parathyroid glands;
• Adrenal gland dysfunction

With the help of the parameters given in the profile it is possible to identify some possible complications, which will allow you to choose the right treatment strategy.

 The price of an extended panel of ionized electrolytes is 35 GEL, Instead of 80 GEL.

When should we take the test?

• Disorders of renal function;
• Pathology of the cardiovascular system;
• Adrenal insufficiency;
• When prescribing diuretics, cardiac glycosides to control potassium in the blood.
• Disorders of the nervous system
• Disturbance of electrolyte metabolism
• Malabsorption syndrome, parenteral nutrition.
• Assessment of the condition in the selection of dehydration treatment tactics
• Pathological conditions accompanied by edema;
• Conditions associated with deficiency or excess of mineralocorticoids;
• Every two years, in patients over the age of 50, to screen for osteoporosis
• Side effects of certain medications: vitamin D, A, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, thiazides
• Bone diseases, trauma, rickets in children;
• Post-thyroidectomy period, diseases of the parathyroid glands;

"Synevo" reminds you that self-medication and self-diagnostics are dangerous for health!

How to prepare for the test?

Venous blood is needed to take the test.

No specific training is required.
It is recommended to limit alcohol intake, smoking and heavy physical activity for at least 12 hours before the test. Some medications can affect the results of the test parameters.

Possible interpretation of the results

Electrolyte Imbalance and Related Diseases Maintaining electrolyte balance is vital for the body to function. Below are some conditions caused by high or low electrolyte levels.

• Hyperkalemia. Excess potassium in the blood causes arrhythmia, muscle weakness and confusion.
• Hypokalemia. Low potassium levels can cause serious problems, including kidney damage.
• Hypercalcemia. High levels of calcium in the blood can affect the heart, brain, and kidneys. It also causes damage to digestive cysts and joint pain.
• Hypernatremia. Too much sodium in the blood can cause behavior problems, coma, or seizures.
• Hyponatremia. Low levels of sodium in the blood can cause seizures, coma, confusion, and weak reflexes.

Resources

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrolyte-panel/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22358-electrolyte-panel

• MedlinePlus. Fluids and Electrolyte Balance. (https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html) Accessed 8/11/2021.
• Merck Manual (Consumer Version). Overview of Electrolytes. (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/overview-of-electrolytes?query=electrolyte) Accessed 8/11/2021.
• Merck Manual (Consumer Version). Overview of Minerals. (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/disorders-of-nutrition/minerals/overview-of-minerals) Accessed 8/11/2021.
• Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/) [Updated 2020 Sep 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-.
  Accessed 8/11/2021.