Operating Since 2001

Electrolyte Panel

$49.00

What does an Electrolyte Panel do?
This Panel assesses your body's fluids and electrolyte balance. Electrolytes, which are electrically charged minerals, are found in blood and body tissues in the form of dissolved salts.  Electrolytes help nutrients move into the body's cells and help wastes move out.  They also aid in the stabilization of the body's pH level.  Electrolytes can affect your heart rhythm, your muscles ability to contract, your brain function and energy level.
 

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.
 

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 normal. 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 be due to fluid loss from excessive sweating, diarrhea, use of diuretics or burns. 

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, the high sodium levels may indicated 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 and low sodium levels 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 maintain 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, patients should order this test if they 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.  Both high and low levels can lead to 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 indicate kidney disorder, Addison's disease, congestive heart failure and other conditions.

Normal Results: 96 - 106 mEq/L
 

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, which can 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

Electrolyte Panel