Quick highlights
- Measures key salts: sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate
- Supports hydration and acid–base balance assessment
- Essential for kidney disease and medication monitoring
- Potassium abnormalities can affect heart rhythm—clinician management required
- No fasting usually required
- Commonly paired with kidney function tests (creatinine/eGFR)
- Useful in vomiting/diarrhea and dehydration workups
- Home blood collection available in many service areas
- Clear red flags for urgent review included
- SEO coverage: electrolytes blood test, sodium potassium test, serum electrolytes panel
What’s included
Preparation
- Book blood draw (home or lab)
- No fasting unless combined tests require fasting
- Disclose diuretics, ACE inhibitors/ARBs, potassium supplements, ORS intake
- Stay normally hydrated unless clinician instructs restriction
- Collect serum/plasma sample via trained phlebotomist
- Download report from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>
- Review with clinician, especially if potassium is abnormal
- Seek urgent care for palpitations, fainting, severe weakness
FAQs
Minerals like sodium and potassium that regulate fluids, nerves, and muscles.
Usually no.
Commonly sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate; exact components may vary by order.
Abnormal potassium can affect heart rhythm and muscle function; clinician evaluation is essential.
Yes, fluid loss can change sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate levels.
Yes; diuretics and blood pressure medicines can alter electrolytes.
Often same day or within 24 hours.
Serum or plasma blood sample.
Yes in many serviceable areas.
Follow clinician advice; disclose ORS intake because it can influence results.
It depends; severe symptoms like palpitations, confusion, or fainting need urgent care.
Creatinine/eGFR, glucose, calcium, magnesium depending on scenario.
Download from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>.
As advised by your clinician, especially with kidney disease or certain medicines.
Notes
Electrolyte interpretation requires clinical context.
