Lab test · Nephrology
Serum Electrolytes
Body salts & water balance
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Body salts & water balance
This test measures sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate in your blood. These electrolytes are salts that carry an electrical charge and help control the body's water balance, nerve and muscle function, the heartbeat and the acid-base balance of the blood. The kidneys keep them within a narrow range, so abnormal levels can point to dehydration, kidney problems or the effects of medicines.
Why a doctor may order it
- During vomiting, diarrhoea or dehydration
- If you feel weak or confused, or have muscle cramps or an irregular heartbeat
- To monitor people taking water tablets (diuretics) or some blood pressure medicines
- In kidney disease, heart failure or hormone problems
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
Eat and drink as you normally would; there is no need to fast. Keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor advises otherwise, and tell your doctor if you take water tablets or potassium supplements. Keep your hand relaxed during the draw, as clenching the fist hard can raise potassium falsely.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The collector comes to your home and draws a small blood sample from a vein in your arm in a few minutes. The sample is handled gently, because rough handling can damage red cells and affect the potassium result.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
The report shows each electrolyte next to the laboratory's reference range. Low sodium can be caused by vomiting, diarrhoea, some medicines or hormone problems, and potassium that is too high or too low can affect the heart and muscles. Bicarbonate gives a clue to the body's acid-base balance. Your doctor will interpret the results together, and some abnormal values may need a prompt repeat test.
What's included
This test reports 4 measurements:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Bicarbonate (TCO2)
Related tests
- Kidney Function Test (RFT)Kidney function৳1,440
- Serum Sodium (Na)Sodium is the main salt in the body's fluids.
- Serum Potassium (K)Potassium is a mineral that the heart, muscles and nerves need to work properly.
- Serum CreatinineKidney function৳150
- Blood UreaKidney function৳150
- Serum Uric AcidUric acid, gout risk৳200
Questions people ask
Why is potassium so important?
Potassium helps nerves and muscles work, including the heart muscle. Levels that are too high or too low can cause an irregular heartbeat, which is why doctors act quickly on abnormal potassium.
Can diarrhoea cause low electrolytes?
Yes. Diarrhoea and vomiting make the body lose water, sodium and potassium. Oral rehydration solution helps replace them, but severe or prolonged cases need medical care.
What does low sodium mean?
Low sodium (hyponatraemia) can be caused by vomiting, diarrhoea, drinking very large amounts of water, some water tablets, and heart, liver or kidney conditions. Your doctor will look for the cause.
How much does a Electrolytes test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳400, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the Electrolytes test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the Electrolytes report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.