Serum Electrolytes near me in Ernakulam
Understanding Serum Electrolytes in Ernakulam
What is Serum Electrolytes in Ernakulam?
The Serum Electrolytes test includes a group of tests to measure electrolytes like sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), and chloride (Cl-). It is available at an affordable price in Ernakulam with Tata 1mg labs. Electrolytes are minerals present in the blood and body tissues and are essential for metabolism, proper nerve and muscle functioning, and maintaining water and blood pH balance.
Your doctor may advise the Serum Electrolytes test if you experience symptoms suggestive of electrolyte disbalance, such as extreme fatigue, weakness, difficulty in breathing, irregular heartbeat, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, muscle weakness, confusion, or seizures. It may also help detect kidney, liver, or heart diseases and can be used to monitor treatment response for high blood pressure or kidney dialysis.
What does Serum Electrolytes measure?
Contains 3 testsThe Serum Electrolytes test measures three important electrolytes in the body: sodium, potassium, and chloride. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that move fluid in and out of the cells. They transport the nutrients into the cells and flush out the waste products. They also help maintain water balance and pH levels by keeping the acids and bases in your blood balanced. Hence, the body must maintain an optimal balance of fluids and electrolytes for proper functioning.
Sodium
The Sodium test measures the amount of sodium in your body. Sodium is present in all body fluids and is found in the highest concentration in the extracellular fluid. The body absorbs the required amount of sodium through dietary salts, and the kidneys eliminate the remaining sodium. The body keeps your blood sodium within a regular and steady range by following three mechanisms:
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By producing hormones that control the elimination of sodium through urine, such as natriuretic peptides and aldosterone.
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By producing hormones that prevent water loss, such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH).
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By controlling thirst (an increase in blood sodium level can make you thirsty and cause you to drink water, returning your sodium to normal).
These mechanisms regulate the amount of water and sodium in the body and control blood pressure by keeping the amount of water in check. When the sodium level in the blood changes, the water content in your body changes. These changes can be associated with dehydration, edema, and changes in blood pressure.
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Chloride
The Chloride test measures the amount of chloride in your body. Chloride is present in all body fluids and is found in the highest concentration in the blood and extracellular fluid (fluid present outside the cells). The body gets most of the chloride through dietary salt (sodium chloride or NaCl) and a small amount through other food items. The required amount of chloride is absorbed in the body and the excess amount is excreted by the kidneys through urine. When the chloride is combined with sodium it is mostly found in nature as salt. Chloride generally increases or decreases in direct relationship to sodium but may also change without any changes in sodium levels when there are problems with the body's pH. Usually, the normal blood chloride level remains steady with a slight fall after meals (because the stomach produces hydrochloric acid using chloride from the blood after we eat food).
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Potassium
The Potassium test measures the levels of potassium in your body. Potassium is one of the key electrolytes that helps in the functioning of the kidneys, heart, nerves, and muscles. It also balances the effect of sodium and helps keep your blood pressure normal. The body absorbs the required amount of potassium from the dietary sources and eliminates the remaining quantity through urine. Potassium level is typically maintained by the hormone aldosterone. Aldosterone acts on the nephrons present in the kidneys and activates the sodium-potassium pump that helps the body reabsorb sodium and excrete potassium. This aids in maintaining a regular and steady potassium level in the blood.
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