Electrolytes – Part 3 – Electrolyte Panel

Definition of electrolytes:

These are the charged low-molecular molecules present in the plasma and the cytosol are:

1. Sodium.
2. Potassium.
3. Calcium.
4. magnesium.
5. Chloride.
6. Bicarbonate.
7. Phosphate.
8. lactate.
9. Sulfate.

Electrolytes are divided into:

1. Anions are negatively charged ions that move towards the anode.
2. Cations are positively charged ions that move towards the cathode.
3. Physiologically electrolytes are:
   1. Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺, Mg⁺.
   2. HCO3^–, H2PO3^–, HPO4^2-, SO4^–.
   3. Organic anions are lactate and trace elements.

When there is a need to evaluate the electrolytes panel (electrolyte profile) then the following tests are advised.

1. Sodium (Na⁺).
2. Potassium (K⁺).
3. Chloride (Cl^–).
4. Carbon dioxide (CO₂).
5. Bicarbonate level (HCO₃^–).

Electrolytes functions:

1. Prevents dehydration.
2. Maintain the acid-base balance (body pH).
3. Maintain the osmotic pressure.
4. Body working normally.
5. It regulates heart rhythm.
6. Regulate muscle contractions.
7. Help the brain function.
8. Cells can generate energy.
9. Cells can maintain the stability of the cell walls.
10. Carbon dioxide and Bicarbonate keeps body pH normal.

 

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