Electrolytes are minerals found in the blood, urine and other body fluids. Electrolytes play an important role in maintaining the fluid levels in the body, maintaining the acid base balance, monitoring the blood pressure and cardiac rhythm, smooth functioning of the muscles and the nerves and also in the overall functioning of the lungs and the kidneys. An electrolyte test is a blood test used to measure the levels of electrolytes in the blood. The sodium, potassium and chloride levels are measured under it.

Serum Electrolytes measures levels of Sodium, Potassium and Chlorides in blood. Electrolytes may get deranged during certain conditions like kidney disease, heart disease or even in general dehydration due to diarrhea. If levels of sodium go down then the person will remain drowsy. If the potassium levels are high then it may lead to sudden cardiac arrest and if chlorides are high then it may indicate kidney failure.

The electrolyte test is used to measure the amount of electrolytes in the blood. It is mainly done in cases of suspected fluid loss or acid-base imbalances like severe dehydration, burns , cancer etc. It is also done in known cases of lung diseases, cardiac impairments and renal diseases where the electrolyte levels may be affected. An electrolytes serum test is often done during routine physical examinations. Besides this, your doctor may prescribe an electrolytes serum test if you are prescribed medications such as ACE inhibitors or diuretics

The Electrolyte test is a simple blood test with no need for fasting before the test. The blood sample can be taken by the phlebotomist at a pathology lab or at home.