Electrolytes – Part 3 – Electrolyte Panel

Definition of electrolytes:
These are the charged low-molecular molecules present in the plasma and the cytosol are:
- Sodium.
- Potassium.
- Calcium.
- magnesium.
- Chloride.
- Bicarbonate.
- Phosphate.
- lactate.
- Sulfate.
Electrolytes are divided into:
- Anions are negatively charged ions that move towards the anode.
- Cations are positively charged ions that move towards the cathode.
- Physiologically electrolytes are:
- Na+, K+, Ca+, Mg+.
- HCO3–, H2PO3–, HPO42-, SO4–.
- 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.
- Sodium (Na+).
- Potassium (K+).
- Chloride (Cl–).
- Carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Bicarbonate level (HCO3–).
Electrolytes functions:
- Prevents dehydration.
- Maintain the acid-base balance (body pH).
- Maintain the osmotic pressure.
- Body working normally.
- It regulates heart rhythm.
- Regulate muscle contractions.
- Help the brain function.
- Cells can generate energy.
- Cells can maintain the stability of the cell walls.
- Carbon dioxide and Bicarbonate keeps body pH normal.