Serum Electrolyte Test: Costs, Purpose, Normal Range and Interpretation

Electrolytes or serum electrolytes are electrically-charged particles that play a crucial role in controlling the amount of fluids in your body, the acid-base balance, muscle and nerve activities, and heart rhythm, etc. Thus, maintaining optimal serum electrolytes levels is essential for your holistic well-being. 

An electrolytes serum test measures the amount of electrolytes in your body. Some of the key electrolytes are:

• Sodium - This electrolyte helps control the fluid levels in your body, and ensures the optimal functionality of your nerves and muscles. 
• Chloride - Apart from helping control the fluid levels in your body, this electrolyte helps maintain healthy blood volume and pressure. 
• Potassium - Helps your heart and muscles function optimally. 
• Bicarbonate - Helps maintain your body’s acid-base balance and eliminate carbon dioxide through your bloodstream. 

Test is leveraged to gauge the levels of all these crucial electrolytes to minimise your risk and exposure to health complications, such as kidney diseases, hypertension, and arrhythmia (irregular heart beat), etc. Your healthcare provider might also suggest an anion gap test and a blood gas test to determine why certain electrolytes levels are high or low.  

Learn everything about the Serum electrolyte Test, before you book lab test online. Understand the why, how, and what of this test.

Why Do I Need Electrolytes Serum Test? 

Your healthcare provider will recommend this test to gauge your serum electrolytes level 

• As a part of your routine blood screening process.
• As a part of your comprehensive metabolic panel process. 
• To check your fluid balance. 
• To check your acid-base balance.
• If you are exhibiting symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, confusion, weakness and irregular heart rhythm. 
• To assess your potential risk for kidney diseases, heart diseases and hypertension. 

How To Prepare For Electrolyte Panel Testing?

To prepare for test,  follow these steps: Consult your healthcare provider, inform them about medications, avoid intense exercise, follow fasting instructions, If given and provide accurate medical history.

What Happens During  Electrolyte Panel Testing?

Testing only takes a few minutes. 

• As per the scheduled time of the blood test, a lab technician who usually takes blood samples will arrive.
• A thin needle will be used to draw blood from your arm’s vein.
• The needle might cause a mild pinch and some discomfort.
• The lab technician then fills a collection tube with blood and then removes the needle from the skin.
• They place a small bandage on the arm.

Should you Book blood test online to check your electrolytes level or go to the nearest clinic and get it done by a medical professional? Let's Find Out

Can I Take Electrolytes Test At Home?

Yes, You can order a Electrolyte Test At home. HealthcareOnTime's at-home lab testing service in association with Thyrocare, provides a convenient and efficient way to get important medical tests done from the comfort of your place, without the need for a doctor's visit or a trip to a lab. Our at-home service ensures hassle-free serum electrolytes sample collection, allowing you to easily collect the necessary samples for the test. It is always preferable to consult with a healthcare provider about any concerns regarding your test results.

How Much Does Serum Electrolytes Test Cost?

The electrolyte test price varies significantly depending on many factors:

• Location: The electrolyte test price in India may vary depending on the city or the region in which the test is conducted. For example, in Bangalore or Mumbai, it might be expensive as compared to small towns.
• Type of facility centres: The electrolyte test price also varies between private hospitals, government hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Cost is lower in government hospitals as compared to private ones.
• Healthcare centres: Diagnostic centres, laboratories and hospitals may have different electrolyte test price. It depends upon the benefits and reputation of the healthcare centre.
• Insurance Coverage: Individuals with health insurance can cover partial or all costs depending on their policy coverage and network providers.
• Additional services: Additional services such as home sample collection, express test results, or additional charges for special management may be paid, which contributes to the overall electrolyte test cost

Excitingly, HealthcareOnTime is committed to making healthcare accessible to all. we're pleased to offer this test at an affordable rate of just INR 450! Our prices compete in the market while maintaining the highest quality standards.

You received your test results but still need help determining if they fall under the normal range. Read this section to understand whether your results are within the serum electrolytes test normal range or not.

What Does Electrolytes Serum Test Results Mean?

Optimal serum electrolytes levels are desirable and thus, either too high or too low electrolytes levels might be an indicator of underlying health complications. 

• A high Sodium value, also known as Hypernatremia, involves dehydration symptoms, mostly caused by inadequate fluid intake, diarrhoea, diuretics medications, and kidney dysfunctions, etc. 
• A high Potassium value, otherwise known as Hyperkalemia, does not accompany any notable symptoms and is mostly linked with kidney disease or kidney failure.
• High levels of chlorides can be caused due to chronic dehydration, metabolic acidosis and kidney disease. 
• High bicarbonate content in your body may mean that your body has lost too much acid due to vomiting and dehydration. 

What Is Serum Electrolytes Normal Range?

Serum electrolytes normal values are:

[Source]  

What Medical Conditions Can Cause Abnormal Serum Electrolytes Levels? 

While serum electrolytes normal levels are essential for your holistic well-being, there are several factors that might lead to either an abnormally high or low level of electrolytes. 

The results of your serum electrolytes test report depend on factors, such as:

• Consuming too much or too less fluids 
• Losing fluid balance due to vomiting and dehydration
• High blood pressure medications, like diuretics, may elevate sodium levels and reduce potassium. Conversely, low blood pressure drugs, such as vasopressors, can influence electrolyte balance.

Medical conditions that may cause fluctuations in your serum electrolytes levels are: 

• Kidney diseases - May disrupt the acid-base balance in your body causing abnormally high or low electrolytes levels. sign of kidney problems include abnormal electrolyte levels such as elevated potassium (Hyperkalemia) or abnormal bicarbonate levels.
• Diabetes - Uncontrolled blood sugar levels may cause certain electrolytes count to go up or down
• Acidosis - Too much acid build-up in your bloodstream due to abnormal bicarbonate levels. 
• Alkalosis - One of the key acid-base spectrum disorders, it is caused due to excess base build-up in your body. 
• Water intoxication - Too much fluid may lead to electrolyte imbalance
• Substance abuse disorder - Excess use of substances may trigger excess water and electrolytes excretion. 

Convenience at Your Doorstep

Ever wished for healthcare that comes to you? HealthcareOnTime makes it a reality with doorstep lab testing, cutting out clinic hassles. No more queues or travel stress. Experience at-home sample collection, prioritizing health without time constraints. —your path to health, now just a doorstep away!

Affordable Testing with Thyrocare Partnership

Experience cost-effective lab testing at-home with HealthcareOnTime's exclusive partnership with Thyrocare. Benefit from competitive prices while ensuring precise results. Our collaboration with Thyrocare Technologies Limited guarantees affordability without compromising on the accuracy and reliability of your lab test.

Comprehensive Health Screening

At HealthcareOnTime, we've got your back with our comprehensive health checkup packages! Take charge of your well-being by booking online. These packages empower you to stay ahead, catching potential issues early for timely management. It's like having a health ally, and making informed decisions for a healthier, happier life.

Disclaimer: Although we have endeavoured to provide accurate information on this page, we strongly recommend that you seek advice from your doctor before relying on any of the test ranges or lab-test recommendations mentioned herein.