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Erectile Dysfunction Panel

Erectile Dysfunction Panel

$99.00

 

What does an Erectile Dysfunction Panel do? 

This test screens men for indications of Erectile Dysfunction and the underlying causes. 

 

What tests are included?

CBC With Differential/Platelet

Electrolyte Panel

Testosterone, Serum

Hepatic Function Panel (7)

Thyroid Panel with TSH

Renal Panel (10)

Lipid Panel With LDL/HDL Ratio

 

 

Follow these simple steps to order:

1.  Select a lab panel

2.  Log in, or register if you are a new customer

3.  Complete the free online medical consultation

4.  Checkout

5.  Download and print your lab requisition form which you will receive by email (within 24 hours)

6.  Proceed to any LabCorp facility (visit www.labcorp.com to locate a facility near you) with your lab requisition Form

7.  Log in to your KwikMed.com account in 3-5 days to receive your lab results

 

Lab Panels may also be ordered by calling 1-877-594-5633.  See our Contact Us section for Customer Service hours.

 

How is the test performed?

Blood is drawn at the lab test facility.

 

Detail description of Erectile Dysfunction panel test components

CBC with Differential / Platlet

 

Hematocrit
Hematocrit measures the amount of space red blood cells take up in the blood. It is reported as a percentage. For example, if your hematocrit is 38%, then 38% of the bloods volume is made of red blood cells.   Low percentages can indicate malnutrition and certain blood disorders.
 

Hemoglobin
Hemoglobin is a chemical compound inside red cells that transports oxygen through the blood stream to all cells of the body. Oxygen is needed for healthy organs. Hemoglobin gives blood its red color.   Low hemoglobin levels can cause fatigue, fainting and shortness of breath.
 

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)
Corpuscular volume measures red blood cell volume and shows the size of the red blood cells. An abnormal MCV is indicative of certain types of anemia related to iron deficiency or certain vitamin deficiencies.
 

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)
The MCH value is the amount of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell.
 

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)
MCHC measures the concentration of hemoglobin in an average red blood cell.
 

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a calculation of the variation in the size of your RBCs. In some anemias, such as pernicious anemia, the amount of variation (anisocytosis) in RBC size (along with variation in shape – poikilocytosis) causes an increase in the RDW.
 

Percentage and Absolute Differential Counts
Percentage and Differential Counts look at the different types of white blood cells, including Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils and Basophils.  The Percentage tells us what percent of the total White Blood Count is made up of each cell.  The Absolute is the exact number of each type of cell seen under a microscope.
 

Platelet Count
Platelet Count measures the blood cell particles involved with the forming of blood clots. Abnormal platelet count can indicate problems with the ability to stop bleeding.
 

Red Cell Count
Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen and carbon dioxide to all cells. An iron deficiency will lower RBC.
 

White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
White blood cells are the body's primary defense against disease. White blood cells help fight infection. Abnormal WBC can indicate infection, blood disorders such as leukemia, or problems with the bodies’ immune system.

 

What are normal results for this test?

Hermatocrit - Male

40.7% to 50.3%

Hermatocrit - Female

36.1% to 44.3%

Hemoglobin - Male

13.8 to 17.2 gm/dL

Hemoglobin - Female

12.1 to 15.1 gm/dL

Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV

80 to 95 femtoliter

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH)

27 to 31 pg/cell

Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

32 to 36 gm/dL

Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

11% - 14.5%

Percentage and Absolute Differential Counts

Absolute Neutrophils 40%-60%, 4-8

Lyphocytes 20%-40%, 3-5

Monocytes 3%-8%, 0-2

EOS 1%-5%, 0-2

Basos 1%-2%, 0-2

Platelet Count

150,000 - 400,000 platelets per mm^3

or 150-400 x10^p/liter

Red Cell Count - Male

4.7 to 6.1 million cells/mcL

Red Cell Count - Female

4.2 to 5.4 million cells.mcL

White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcL

 

cells/mcL = cells per microliter

gm/dL = grams per deciliter

pg/cell = picograms per cell

 

Testosterone, Serum

 

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone in the blood.  Testosterone is a steroid hormone made by the testes in men.  In males, testosterone stimulates enlargement of the penis, growth of body hair and muscle, and deepening of the voice.  In women, testosterone is produced in the adrenal glands and by small amounts in the ovaries. 

 

This test may be done if you have symptoms of abnormal male hormone (androgen) production.  Testosterone levels are used to assess:

 

Early or late puberty in boys

Impotence and infertility in men

Excess hair growth, male body characteristics (virllization, and irregular menstrual periods in women

 

Decreased testosterone levels in men can indicated damaged to the testees (due to physical damage, alcoholism, or viral diseases) or pituitary disease.  Increased testosterone levels can indicate testicular tumors.  In women, increased testosterone levels can indicated ovarian or adrenal gland tumors.

 

Normal Results:  Male 300 - 1,000 ng/dL

Normal Results:  Female 20 - 80 ng/dL

 

Thyroid Panel

 

TSH

TSH is a laboratory test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood.  TSH is produced by the pituitary gland and tells the thyroid gland to make and release the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).  The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped organ that lies across your windpipe.

 

This test is taken to determine if your thyroid gland is working properly.  An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight gain, tiredness, dry skin, constipation, a feeling of being too cold, or frequent menstrual periods.  An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can cause symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heart rate, nervousness, diarrhea, a feeling of being too hot, or irregular menstrual periods. 

 

Normal Results:  0.4 to 4.5 mIU/L

 

Throxine (T4)

T4 (thyroxine) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. This test measures the amount of the T4 in your blood.  Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of a thyroid disorder. Thyroid function is complex and depends on the action of many different hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and T3 (triiodothyronine).  T4 levels are important, because T4 increases numerous substances that produce energy for the body.  Most T4 is transported by proteins. If T4 is not attached to a protein, it is called "free" T4.

 

Normal Results:  4.5 to 11.2 mcg/dL

 

T3 uptake (THBR)

(THBR) Thyroid hormone-binding ratio.  This test measures the level of thyroid hormone-binding proteins in the blood.  This test helps estimate the availability of thyroxin binding globulin (TBG), the protein that carries most of the T3 and T4 in the blood.  The higher the level of TBG , the lower the value of T3. A higher T3 value means less TBG is available, possibly as a result of hyperthyroidism.

 

Normal Results:  24% to 37%

 

Cholesterol - Lipid Panel

 

Cholesterol, total
A total cholesterol test is a measure of the cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Cholesterol is a soft, fatty, wax like substance known as “lipids” which is found in all body cells. While your body needs cholesterol to work properly, too much of it can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease. Elevated cholesterol is a controllable risk factor for coronary heart disease. The risk of heart attack begins to rise as the total cholesterol level passes 140. According to the American Heart Association, individuals with cholesterol levels greater than 250 mg/dl have 3 times the risk of heart attack as those whose levels are below 200 mg/dl.
 

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
High Density Lipoprotein is commonly known as the “good” cholesterol because it removes excess cholesterol from your cells and the walls of your arteries and then transports the cholesterol back to your liver for disposal. People with high levels of HDL may have less risk of heart disease. HDLs are composed of high levels of protein and low amounts of fat. HDL may actually slow or even reverse the development of atherosclerosis.
 

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
LDL is commonly known as the “bad” cholesterol because too much LDL in the blood can clog you arteries. Low density lipoproteins are composed of mostly cholesterol (roughly 75%). The majority of the cholesterol in your blood is found in LDL. Certain levels of LDL in your blood is normal and healthy because LDL are responsible for delivering cholesterol to the parts of your body that need it, but excess LDL can cause a buildup of cholesterol in the lining of arteries. The medical term for this process is atherosclerosis.
 

Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fats in the blood responsible for providing energy to the cells of the body. While your body produces some Triglycerides, they also come from the food you eat. Your body uses the calories from the food for immediate energy, but the leftover calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells for later use. Typically, if you consume more calories than your body needs, it can lead to a high triglyceride level. Triglycerides combine with cholesterol and protein to form lipoproteins. For example, there will be high levels of triglycerides to be processed by your body if you have a diet high in saturated fats; therefore the body produces more low density lipoproteins. The higher level of LDLs and total cholesterol increases your risk of atherosclerosis.
 

Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL)
While lipoproteins are made of cholesterol, triglycerides, and proteins, of the three substances, very low density lipoprotein contains a large amount of triglycerides and very little protein. The main purpose of VLDL is to distribute the triglycerides produced by your liver. VLDL is also considered a “Bad” protein because it helps cholesterol build on the walls of arteries. Increased levels of be associated with higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

What are normal results for this test?

Total Cholesterol

Less than 200mg/dL

HDL Cholesterol

Greater than 40 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol

60 to 130 mg/dL

Triglycerides

10 to 150 mg/dL

VLDL

2 to 38 mg/dL

 

mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter

 

*The ideal values for patients with known coronary artery disease are different from those patients without coronary artery disease.

 

Electrolyte Panel

 

Sodium

A sodium test determines the level of sodium within the blood.  Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body.  Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work.  A small percentage is lost through stool and sweat.

 

Normal Results:  135 to 145 mEq/L

 

For greater-than-normal sodium levels:

High levels of sodium can increase the chance of high blood pressure. 

 

If your total body water is low, high sodium levels may result from fluid loss due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, use of diuretics or burns.

 

If the amount of fluid in your body is low, you may have fluid loss due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, use of diuretics, or burns.

 

If your total body water is normal, high sodium levels may be due to diabetes insipidus or too little of the hormone vasopressin.

 

If you total body water is high, high sodium levels may indicated hyperaldosteronism, Cushing syndrome

 

If your total body water is normal, high sodium levels may be due diabetes insipidus or too little of the hormone vasopressin.

 

If your total body water is high, this may indicate hyperaldosteronism , Cushing syndrome, or a diet that's too high in salt or sodium bicarbonate.

 

For lower-than-normal sodium levels:

Low total body water and sodium levels may be due to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, over diuresis, or ketonuria.

 

Near-normal total body water and low sodium levels may indicate SIADH, too much of the hormone vasopressin, hypothyroidism, or Addison's disease.

 

An increase in total body water may indicate congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome or other kidney disease, or cirrhosis of the liver.

 

Potassium

This test measures the amount of potassium in the blood.  Potassium is both an electrolyte and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body.  Potassium levels often change with sodium levels. When sodium levels go up, potassium levels go down, and when sodium levels go down, potassium levels go up.

 

Abnormal potassium levels may cause symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, irritability, paralysis, and changes in heart rhythm.

 

High blood potassium levels may be caused by damage or injury to the kidneys. This prevents the kidneys from removing potassium from the blood normally.  The most common cause of high potassium levels is kidney disease.  Because potassium is important to heart function, may order this test if you have signs of high blood pressure or heart problems. 

 

Low levels of potassium cause increased heart muscle activity, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat.  Low levels as well as high levels can cause a heart attack in some cases.

 

Normal Results:  3.7 - 5.2 mEq/L

 

Chloride

The serum chloride test measures the amount of chloride in the fluid portion of the blood.  Chloride is a negatively charged molecule known as an electrolyte.  It works with other electrolytes, such as potassium, salt (sodium), and carbon dioxide (CO2), to help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance.  Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat.

 

Chloride levels can be used to help monitor high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease.  High levels of chloride, known as hyperchloremia, typically indicate dehydration, metabolic acidosis and other conditions.  Decreased levels of chloride, known as hypochloremia, can indicated kidney disorder, Addison's disease, congestive heart failure and other conditions.

 

Normal Results:  96 - 106 mEq/L

 

Carbon Dioxide

Measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood.  Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous waste product made from metabolism.  The blood carries carbon dioxide to your lungs, where it is exhaled.  Changes in your CO2 level suggest you may be losing or retaining fluid, cause an imbalance in your body's electrolytes.  Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids.

 

Abnormal levels of carbon dioxide suggest your body is having trouble maintaining its acid-base balance and your electrolyte balance is upset.

 

Normal Results:   20 - 29 mEq/L

 

Liver Panel

 

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT/SGPT)

An ALT test measures the amount of the enzyme ALT in serum (the liquid part of the blood).  ALT is measured to see if the liver is damaged or diseased. Low levels of ALT are normally found in the blood.  But when the liver is damaged or diseased, it releases ALT into the bloodstream, which makes ALT levels go up.  Most increases in ALT levels are caused by liver damage.  The ALT test can identify liver disease, especially cirrhosis and hepatitis caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses.

 

Normal Results:  4–36 units per liter (U/L)

 

Albumin

The albumin test measures the amount of albumin in serum, the clear liquid portion of blood and determines if the liver is making enough albumin.  This test helps in determining if a patient has liver disease or kidney disease, or if not enough protein is being absorbed by the body.  Albumin is one of the two major proteins in the blood, the other is Globulin.  Albumin also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healins.  Because albumin is made by the liver, decreased serum albumin may result from liver disease. It can also result from kidney disease which allows albumin to escape into the urine. Decreased albumin may also be explained by malnutrition or a low protein diet.

 

Normal Results:  3.4 - 5.4 g/dl

 

Alkaline Phosphatase

An alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures the amount of the enzyme ALP in the blood.  ALP is a protein that helps cells work.  ALP is made mostly in the liver and in bone, but some is also made in the intestines and kidneys.  Alkaline phosphatase is found in all body tissues and there are many different forms of ALP.  This test is useful in screening for liver disease or damage to the liver.  High levels of ALP can indicate bone or liver damage.

 

Normal Results:  The normal value is 20 to 140 IU/L (international units per liter)

 

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST/SGOT)

An aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood.  AST is found in high concentration in heart muscle, liver cells, and skeletal muscle cells. It is also found, to a lesser degree, in other tissues.  Low levels of AST are normally found in the blood.  Diseases that affect liver cells cause the release of additional AST into the bloodstream.  The AST test can be used to diagnose and monitor the course of liver disease (in combination with other enzymes such as ALT, ALP, and bilirubin).

 

Normal Results:  The normal range is 10 to 34 IU/L (international units per liter)

 

The AST test may be done at the same time as a test for alanine aminotransferase (ALT).  The ratio of AST to ALT sometimes can help determine whether the liver or another organ has been damaged. Both ALT and AST levels can test for liver damage.

 

Bilirubin, Direct and Bilirubin, Total:

A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in a blood sample. This test checks liver function and watches for signs of liver disease, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells.  When bilirubin levels are high, a condition known as jaundice occurs.  This is usually due to the inability of the liver to remove bilirubin from the body. 

 

Total and direct bilirubin are usually measured to screen for or to monitor liver disease or gallbladder problems in the liver, most of the bilirubin is chemically attached to another molecule before it is released in the bile.  This "conjugated" (attached) bilirubin is called direct bilirubin; unconjugated (not attached) bilirubin is called indirect bilirubin. 

 

Total serum bilirubin equals direct bilirubin plus indirect bilirubin.  Conjugated bilirubin is released into the bile by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, or transferred directly to the small intestines.  Bilirubin is further broken down by bacteria in the intestines, and those breakdown products contribute to the color of the feces.  A small percentage of these breakdown compounds are taken in again by the body, and eventually appear in the urine.

 

Normal Results:  Direct bilirubin 0 to 0.3 mg/dL    

Normal Results:  Total bilirubin: 0.3 to 1.9 mg/dL

 

Protein, Total:

A total serum protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood.  This information is useful in determining nutritional status or to screen for certain kidney and liver disorders.  Every cell in the human body contains protein. It is a major part of the skin, muscles, organs, and glands.  Protein is also found in all body fluids, except bile and urine. 

 

You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones.  Protein is also important for growth and development during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy.  Low protein levels can indicated liver disorder or kidney disorders.  Serum proteins are separated into albumin and globulins. In other words, total protein = albumin + globulin. 

 

Albumin is the protein of highest concentration in the serum. It carries many small molecules, but is also important for keeping fluid from leaking out into the tissues (the oncotic pressure of the blood). 

 

Globulin is made up of different proteins called alpha, beta, and gamma types.  Certain globulins bind with hemoglobin. Other globulins transport metals, such as iron, in the blood and help fight infection.

 

Normal Results:  Total protein: 6.4 to 8.3 g/dL (grams per deciliter)

 

Kidney - Renal Panel

 

Creatinine

A serum creatinine test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood and shows how well your kidneys are working.  Creatinine is a breakdown product of creatine, which is formed when your body metabolizes food.  Creatinine is taken out of your body by your kidneys and then passed out of your body in urine.  Creatinine is produced in your body at a consistent rate, it is not affected by your diet or normal physical activities.  If you kidneys are damaged the level of creatinine in your blood increases.

 

Normal Results:  .8 to 1.4 mg/dl

 

BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen)

BUN test is used to check kidney function.  Urea nitrogen is what forms when protein breaks down.  Urea is a waste product made when protein is broken down in your body.  Urea is made in the liver and passed out of your body in the urine.  Like creatinine, your BUN results can help your doctor see how well your kidneys are working.  For people with liver disease, the BUN level may be low even if the kidneys are normal.  Kidney disease or blockage of the flow of urine from your kidney causes both BUN and creatinine levels to rise.

 

Normal Results:  7 to 20 mg/dl

 

BUN : creatinine ratio

A BUN-to-creatinine ratio can help your doctor check for problems, such as dehydration, that may cause abnormal BUN and creatinine levels.  High BUN-to-creatinine ratios occur with sudden (acute) kidney failure, which may be caused by shock or severe dehydration.  A low BUN-to-creatinine ratio may be associated with a diet low in protein, a severe muscle injury called rhabdomyolysis, pregnancy, cirrhosis or syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).

 

Normal Results:  10:1 to 20:1

 

Albumin

The albumin test measures the amount of albumin in serum, the clear liquid portion of blood and determines if the liver is making enough albumin.  This test helps in determining if a patient has liver disease or kidney disease, or if not enough protein is being absorbed by the body.  Albumin is a protein that transports many small molecules in the blood (for example, bilirubin, calcium, progesterone, and drugs).  Because albumin is made by the liver, decreased serum albumin may result from liver disease. It can also result from kidney disease which allows albumin to escape into the urine. Decreased albumin may also be explained by malnutrition or a low protein diet

 

Normal Results:  3.4 to 5.4 g/dl

 

Calcium

This test measures the amount of Calcium in your blood, not the calcium in your bones.  The body needs it to build and fix bones and teeth, help nerves work, make muscles contraction, help blood clot, and help the heart to work.  The Calcium test screens for problems with the parathyroid glands or kidneys, certain types of cancers and bone problems, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), and kidney stones.

 

Normal Results:  8.5 to 10.2 mg/dl

 

Carbon Dioxide

This test measures the amount of carbon dioxide in the liquid part of your blood.  Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a gaseous waste product made from metabolism.  The blood carries carbon dioxide to your lungs, where it is exhaled.  Changes in your CO2 level suggest you may be losing or retaining fluid, cause an imbalance in your body's electrolytes.  Electrolytes are minerals in your blood and other body fluids.

 

Abnormal levels of carbon dioxide suggest your body is having trouble maintaining its acid-base balance and your electrolyte balance is upset.

 

Normal Results:  20 to 29 mEq/L

 

Chloride

The serum chloride test measures the amount of chloride in the fluid portion of the blood.  Chloride is a negatively charged molecule known as an electrolyte.  It works with other electrolytes, such as potassium, salt (sodium), and carbon dioxide (CO2), to help keep the proper balance of body fluids and maintain the body's acid-base balance.  Most of the chloride in your body comes from the salt (sodium chloride) you eat.

 

Chloride levels can be used to help monitor high blood pressure, heart failure and kidney disease.  High levels of chloride, known as hyperchloremia, typically inidcate dehydration, metabolic acidosis and other conditions.  Decreased levels of chloride, known as hpocholremia, can indicate kidney disorder, Addison's disease, congestive heart failure and other conditions.

 

Normal Results:  96 to 106 mEq/L

 

Glucose

A glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Glucose comes from carbohydrate foods.  It may be used to diagnose or screen for diabetes and to monitor control in patients who have diabetes.  Most dietary carbohydrates eventually end up as glucose in the blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for most cells of the body, including those in the brain.  Blood glucose levels that remain high over time can damage your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.

 

Normal Results:  up to 100 mg/dL

 

Levels between 100 and 126 mg/dl are referred to as impaired fasting glucose or pre-diabetes.  These levels are considered to be risk factors for type 2 diabetes and its complications.  Diabetes is typically diagnosed when fasting blood glucose levels are 126 mg/dl or higher.  Many forms of severe stress (for example, trauma, stroke, heart attack, and surgery) can temporarily increase glucose levels.

 

A Glucose test may also be ordered to help diagnose diabetes when someone has one or more of the symptoms of hyperglycemia including:  Increased thirst, increased urination, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing infections or symptoms of hypoglycemia such as: seating, hunger, trembling, anxiety, confusion and blurred vision.

 

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is a mineral that makes up 1% of a person's total body weight.  The body needs phosphorus to build and repair bones and teeth, help nerves function, and make muscles contract.  The Kidneys help control the amount of phosphate in the blood. Extra phosphate is filtered by the kidneys and passes out of the body in the urine.  It plays an important role in the body's utilization of carbohydrates and fats and in the synthesis of protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues. 

 

High levels of phosphorus in blood only occur in people with severe kidney disease or severe dysfunction of their calcium regulation.  Excessively high levels of phosphorus in the blood, although rare, can combine with calcium to form deposits in soft tissues such as muscle.

 

Normal Results:  Standard range not available

 

Potassium

This test measures the amount of potassium in the blood.  Potassium is both an electrolyte and a mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body.  Potassium levels often change with sodium levels. When sodium levels go up, potassium levels go down, and when sodium levels go down, potassium levels go up. 

 

Abnormal potassium levels may cause symptoms such as muscle cramps or weakness, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, dehydration, low blood pressure, confusion, irritability, paralysis, and changes in heart rhythm. 

 

High blood potassium levels may be caused by damage or injury to the kidneys. This prevents the kidneys from removing potassium from the blood normally.  The most common cause of high potassium levels is kidney disease.  Because potassium is important to heart function, may order this test if you have signs of high blood pressure or heart problems. 

 

Low levels of potassium cause increased heart muscle activity, which can lead to an irregular heartbeat.  Low levels as well as high levels can cause a heart attack in some cases.

 

Normal Results:  3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L

 

Sodium

A sodium test determines the level of sodium within the blood.  Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps keep the water (the amount of fluid inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body.  Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work.  A small percentage is lost through stool and sweat.

 

Normal Results:  135 to 145 mEq/L

 

For greater-than-normal sodium levels:

High levels of sodium can increase the chance of high blood pressure. 

 

If your total body water is low, high sodium levels may result from fluid loss due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, use of diuretics or burns.

 

If the amount of fluid in your body is low, you may have fluid loss due to excessive sweating, diarrhea, use of diuretics, or burns.

 

If your total body water is normal, high sodium levels may be due to diabetes insipidus or too little of the hormone vasopressin.

 

If you total body water is high, high sodium levels may indicated hyperaldosteronism, Cushing syndrome

 

If your total body water is normal, high sodium levels may be due diabetes insipidus or too little of the hormone vasopressin.

 

If your total body water is high, this may indicate hyperaldosteronism , Cushing syndrome, or a diet that's too high in salt or sodium bicarbonate.

 

For lower-than-normal sodium levels:

Low total body water and sodium levels may be due to dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, over diuresis, or ketonuria.

 

Near-normal total body water and low sodium levels may indicate SIADH, too much of the hormone vasopressin, hypothyroidism, or Addison's disease.

 

An increase in total body water may indicate congestive heart failure, nephrotic syndrome or other kidney disease, or cirrhosis of the liver.

 

Erectile Dysfunction Panel

$99.00