Description
An electrolyte panel is a blood test that measures the levels of electrolytes and carbon dioxide in your blood. Electrolytes are minerals, such as sodium and potassium, that are found in the body. An electrolyte panel measures the blood levels of carbon dioxide, chloride, potassium, and sodium Electrolyte Panel Includes Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Potassium and Sodium tests. This test is for those who are concerned that they may have a kidney-related disease, or for those who need to monitor the progression of kidney disease. By looking for unusually high or low test results, this kidney function test can help diagnose various kidney-related issues.
Carbon Dioxide - Your kidneys and lungs balance the levels of carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, and carbonic acid in the blood. High carbon dioxide levels can be used to help diagnose kidney disease.
Chloride - Chloride is an important electrolyte used by the body to maintain the proper blood volume, blood pressure, blood acidity, and balance of fluid in cells. An increased level of blood chloride may indicate kidney diseases like tubular acidosis, which is when the kidneys do not remove enough acid.
Potassium - Potassium is an electrolyte that assists in many bodily functions like water balance, digestion, and nerve impulses. Kidney disease can cause both high and low potassium levels
Sodium - Sodium is the final of the three major electrolytes your body utilizes to control fluid balance inside and out of cells, among other functions. High sodium levels could indicate kidney disease because the body is unable to effectively remove the correct amount.
