Electrolyte Panel
Use
The Electrolyte Panel is utilized for diagnosing and managing the electrolyte balance in patients, which is critical for maintaining proper hydration, nerve function, and acid-base balance in the body. It measures the levels of sodium, potassium, chloride, and carbon dioxide in the blood, providing essential information for evaluating conditions such as dehydration, kidney disease, and issues related to acid-base balance in the body. This panel is typically ordered for patients experiencing symptoms that suggest an imbalance like muscle weakness, confusion, or irregular heartbeats.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The Electrolyte Panel cannot diagnose conditions in isolation; it should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hemolysis can lead to inaccurate results, making it essential to avoid during collection. Certain conditions like edema or dehydration may affect test results, and medications can also impact electrolyte levels. This test does not determine the etiology of the imbalance; further testing may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 24326-1 - Lytes 1998 Pnl SerPl
- 2951-2 - Sodium SerPl-sCnc
- 2823-3 - Potassium SerPl-sCnc
- 2075-0 - Chloride SerPl-sCnc
- 2028-9 - CO2 SerPl-sCnc
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.8 mL
Container
Gel-barrier tube (preferred), Red-top tube, or Green-top (heparin) tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection; avoid hemolysis.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; improper labeling
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant