Electrolyte Panel

This panel comprises a group of 4 tests that provide information on an individual's electrolytes, acid-base, and water balance. The panel is usually ordered during hospital and emergency room admission to help diagnose a range of conditions as well as monitor certain conditions or treatments that affect electrolyte balance [1,2].

Symptoms and signs of electrolyte, acid-base, and water imbalance may include dehydration, edema, vomiting, weakness, confusion, and cardiac arrhythmias. These imbalances may be associated with kidney diseases, respiratory distress, and metabolic disorders [1,2]. The results of the panel components are usually evaluated jointly for patterns. The section below outlines the roles of the analytes assessed with this panel [1,2].

Sodium: An electrolyte that plays a central role in maintaining the normal distribution of water and appropriate pressure to assure that substances do not leak from cells and organs. Sodium measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving electrolyte imbalance.

Potassium: An electrolyte that is essential for proper muscle and nerve function and helps keep the balance of fluids. Potassium measurements are useful in assessing electrolyte balance in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels.

Chloride: An electrolyte that helps maintain volume, acidity, and electrical neutrality of the body fluids. Chloride measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders, such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis.

Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate): A type of blood gas used to evaluate the total carbonate buffering system and acid-base balance. Carbon dioxide is generally evaluated with other common electrolytes; the measurements are useful in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with changes in body acid-base balance.

References
1. Electrolytes and anion gap. Testing.com. Accessed January 6, 2022. https://www.testing.com/tests/electrolytes-and-anion-gap/
2. Rao LV, et al. Laboratory tests. In: Rao LV, eds. Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests. Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis. 11th ed. Wolters Kluwer; 2020.