What is an Electrolyte?
Electrolytes are substances or minerals that have a natural negative or positive electrical charge when dissolved in water. The electrolyte helps maintain and regulate the chemical reactions within your body and also maintains the balance and regulation between the fluid inside and outside your cells.
It further helps to control muscle and nerve activity and other important functions within the human body.
Electrolytes are minerals in the form of a solid that is dissolved in the blood and the body tissue. They help in maintaining the acid-base ratio in the human body.
What is an Electrolyte test?
An electrolyte test is also known as a serum electrolyte test. It is a blood test to measure the different levels of your body’s main electrolytes.
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Sodium
Sodium helps control the total amount of fluid within your body. Sodium also helps your nerves and your muscles to function properly.
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Chloride
Chloride helps control the total amount of fluid in your body. Chloride also helps maintain healthy blood volume and healthy blood pressure.
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Potassium
Potassium helps your heart and your muscles to function properly.
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Bicarbonate
Bicarbonate helps maintain the body’s total acid and base balance. Bicarbonate also plays a vital role in moving carbon dioxide throughout your bloodstream.
Why do you need an electrolyte panel?
There are several reasons why an individual might require an electrolyte test. If you are feeling the following symptoms, it will indicate that your body’s electrolyte is out of balance
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Confusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Weakness.
- Muscle spasm
- Bone disorder
- Feature
- Numbness
- Blood pressure alteration
- Fatigue
- Nervous system malfunction
If you have been referred by your doctor for an electrolyte test or you suspect the following symptoms, and you want to go for an electrolyte test, you must always consider researching the electrolytes test price before you select a lab.
However, you must not always select a laboratory that has a low price for the test. Laboratories that use modern technology and advanced equipment will charge a premium. You must always go for a laboratory that offers the best quality service.
Significance of the electrolyte test
An electrolyte test will measure each electrolyte in your body. Abnormal electrolyte levels can be caused by several different conditions like:
- Dehydration
- Heart disease
- Continuous vomiting
- Cancer or cancer treatment
- Exposure to heat waves
- Prolonged vomiting during pregnancy
- Medication for heart disease and high blood pressure
- Bulimia
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Acidosis; is a condition where your body contains too much acid in your blood. It can further cause nausea, fatigue, and vomiting.
- Alkalosis is the condition in your body where you have too many alkalis in your blood. It can cause muscle twitching, irritability, and tingling in the fingers.
Electrolyte tests further help determine which electrolyte in your body is affected and whether the levels of electrolyte in your body are too high or low.
The price range for electrolyte test
The average price range for an electrolytes test price is between Rs 250 and Rs 540. It is dependent on several factors such as quality, accuracy, and the city.
Signs of low electrolyte
The symptoms of low electrolytes in your body are
- Anxiety
- Irritation
- Vomiting
- Laziness
- Tiredness
- Weak muscles
- Muscle cramps
- Tingling and numbness
- Cramp in the abdomen
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Stomach ache
Normal range of electrolytes
In healthy individuals, the normal range of electrolytes are:
| Calcium | 4.5-5.5 mEq/L |
|---|---|
| Sodium | 136-145 mEq/L |
| Chloride | 97-107 mEq/L |
| Potassium | 3.5-5.3 mEq/L |
| Magnesium | 1.5-2.5 mEq/L |
To Sum It Up
An electrolyte test assesses the overall electrolyte balance in the body. Your health is very important. You must keep the electrolyte levels of your body in check as it might lead to other health problems. You should get your electrolyte checked by a renowned lab to get the best and the most detailed report.
Metropolis is one of the best and most reliable laboratories to get your electrolytes checked. Contact Metropolis today and get your slot booked.
