Electrolyte test

An electrolyte test can help determine whether there's an electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolytes are salts and minerals found in the blood, such as sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, which can conduct electrical impulses in the body.

The test is sometimes carried out during a routine physical examination, or it may be used as part of a more comprehensive set of tests.

As well as checking levels of electrolytes in the blood, an electrolyte panel (a group of specific blood tests) can also be used to find out whether there's an acid-base imbalance (a normal arterial blood pH range is 7.35-7.45).

The test can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for an imbalance that affects the functioning of an organ.

Read more about the electrolyte test at Lab Tests Online UK.