What is an electrolyte panel test?

Electrolytes are minerals that maintain fluid balance in the body and help muscles, nerves, and cells function properly.An electrolyte panel test measures the number of minerals in your blood, like: Sodium Potassium Chloride Carbon dioxide Doctors order these tests to monitor a patient's condition, diagnose health issues and assess treatment progress.

What does an electrolyte panel test for?

An electrolyte panel can be useful for diagnosing any conditions related to an electrolyte imbalance. It also provides insight into how effectively your kidneys work, which is essential to keeping your heart and other organs in good working order.This test can also help monitor a treatment effectiveness for a specific condition.

Why would you test an electrolyte panel?

Symptoms that can be indicative of an electrolyte imbalance include: Weakness or fatigue Muscle twitching Cramps Irregular heartbeat Paralysis Nausea and/or vomiting If you're experiencing these symptoms, getting tested and discussing your results with your doctor would be best.

What are the most common electrolyte abnormalities?

Some of the most common electrolyte abnormalities are: Hyponatremia (low sodium) Hypokalemia (low potassium) Hypocalcemia (low calcium) Hypernatremia (high sodium) Hypercalcemia (high calcium) These are usually a result of excess fluid loss or abnormal excretion from the kidney.

Do I need to visit a doctor?

Nope. You don't need a doctor's visit to get a test with us.

How do I get my results?

You'll get your results via email as soon as they are available. We will notify you via SMS as well. You can also see them at any time in the future right in your dashboard where you can easily share them with your professional and compare them side by side with future tests.

Does my lab prescription expire?

We're the only lab that honors your lab order forever.

Blood Test Quiz

Electrolyte Testing

Electrolyte Panel

Learn more

No need to visit a doctor
Results by email
Prescription never expires
All inclusive, no extra fees
1-minute checkout

Lab order
in a few minutes

Low prices
since 2005

90 day money-back
guarantee

No waiting
at the doctor's

Labs within
2 miles

Private, accurate
and secure

Carbon Dioxide (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

The Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Test is a blood test that measures the level of CO2 in the bloodstream. Abnormal CO2 levels in the blood may indicate the kidney and lungs may not be functioning properly. Measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of numerous potentially serious disorders associated with changes in body acid-base balance.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Carbon Dioxide

****Carbon Dioxide is included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP), Electrolyte panel and in the Kidney Function Profile.***

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Chloride (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

The Chloride Test is a blood test used to measure the level of chloride, an important electrolyte. Serum chloride is the major extracellular anion and counter-balances the major cation, sodium, maintaining electrical neutrality of the body fluids. Two thirds of the total anion concentration in extracellular fluids is chloride and it is significantly involved in maintaining proper hydration and osmotic pressure. Movement of chloride ions across the red blood cell membrane is essential for the transport of biocarbonate ions in response to changing concentrations of carbon dioxide. Chloride measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte and metabolic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and diabetic acidosis.

Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Chloride

****Chloride, serum is included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP), Electrolyte Panel and in the Kidney Function Profile.***

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Electrolyte Panel (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

The Electrolyte Panel is performed to check for kidney problems, acids in your blood, a sodium or potassium problem and diabetes.
Significant deviations from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Carbon Dioxide
Chloride
Potassium
Sodium

**** Electrolyte Panel is included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP) and Kidney Function Profile.***

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Potassium, Serum (Quest Diagnostics)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Potassium measurements are useful in monitoring electrolyte balance in the diagnosis and treatment of disease conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels. Potassium is elevated in adrenal cortical insufficiency, acute renal failure and in some cases of diabetic acidosis. Potassium is decreased in diuretic administration and renal tubular acidosis.

A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Serum potassium.

**** Potassium, serum is included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP), Chem Panel, Electrolyte Panel, Kidney Function Profile.***

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Chloride, Serum (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

The Chloride Test is a blood test used to measure the level of chloride, an important electrolyte. Abnormal levels of serum chloride can cause high or low blood pressure. A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Serum Chloride.

****Chloride, serum is included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP), Electrolyte Panel and in the Kidney Function Profile.***

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 1 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Potassium, Serum (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

The Potassium Test is a blood test used to measure the level of potassium, an important electrolyte. Potassium aids in muscle contraction and in maintaining the balance of fluids and electrolytes in body cells. A significant deviation from the normal range may require further evaluation by your physician.

Includes

Serum potassium.

****Potassium, serum is included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP), Chem Panel, Electrolyte Panel and in the Kidney Function Profile.****

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 1 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Carbon Dioxide, Serum (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Includes

Serum carbon dioxide.

****Carbon Dioxide is included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP), Electrolyte panel and in the Kidney Function Profile.***

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 1 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

Electrolyte Panel (LabCorp)

Same day lab order delivery

HSA/FSA reimbursable

Description

Includes

Carbon Dioxide
Chloride
Potassium
Sodium

**** Electrolyte Panel consists of Carbon Dioxide, Chloride, Potassium, and Sodium and is included in the Comprehensive Metabolic Profile (CMP) and Kidney Function Profile watch for duplicated tests. ****

Patient Instructions

No fasting required.

Estimated turnaround for results is 3 business days. If confirmation testing is required, the estimated time may be extended.

What is an Electrolyte Panel?

An Electrolyte Panel is a blood test used to measure a patient’s levels of electrolytes and carbon dioxide in their blood. Electrolytes are minerals found in the body, including both sodium and potassium, which keep the body’s fluids balanced, and contribute to the normal operation of the body. The processes they are a part of include an individual’s heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and brain function, making electrolytes one of the more important aspects of maintaining health and proper body function.

Who May Need an Electrolyte Panel?

Many physicians use the Electrolyte Panel as part of a patient’s yearly checkup, though it is also sometimes utilized to diagnose certain medical conditions, or as a way of testing for improvements in a person’s health during various types of medical therapies. If a patient is experiencing edema, nausea, general weakness, confusion, or cardiac issues, an Electrolyte Panel can be ordered to determine if there is a significant deficiency or overabundance in these crucial minerals. It is also prescribed in order to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for high blood pressure, heart failure, or liver and kidney disease.

What Should I Expect from My Electrolyte Panel?

Electrolyte Panels begin with a patient having their blood drawn and examined by a medical professional through various testing procedures. The panel will give a physician a clear indication of the overall electrolyte balance in a patient, the amount of water in their body, as well as the amount of electrolytes being excreted by their kidneys. Some disorders may exhibit abnormalities in one or more of the electrolytes being tested, though physicians typically focus on a patient’s sodium and potassium levels, which play a significant role in the body’s processes.

FAQ

What is an electrolyte panel test?
Electrolytes are minerals that maintain fluid balance in the body and help muscles, nerves, and cells function properly.
An electrolyte panel test measures the number of minerals in your blood, like:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Carbon dioxide
Doctors order these tests to monitor a patient's condition, diagnose health issues and assess treatment progress.
What does an electrolyte panel test for?

An electrolyte panel can be useful for diagnosing any conditions related to an electrolyte imbalance. It also provides insight into how effectively your kidneys work, which is essential to keeping your heart and other organs in good working order.
This test can also help monitor a treatment effectiveness for a specific condition.
Why would you test an electrolyte panel?
Symptoms that can be indicative of an electrolyte imbalance include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Muscle twitching
- Cramps
- Irregular heartbeat
- Paralysis
- Nausea and/or vomiting
If you're experiencing these symptoms, getting tested and discussing your results with your doctor would be best.
What are the most common electrolyte abnormalities?
Some of the most common electrolyte abnormalities are:
- Hyponatremia (low sodium)
- Hypokalemia (low potassium)
- Hypocalcemia (low calcium)
- Hypernatremia (high sodium)
- Hypercalcemia (high calcium)
These are usually a result of excess fluid loss or abnormal excretion from the kidney.
Do I need to visit a doctor?

Nope. You don't need a doctor's visit to get a test with us.
How do I get my results?

You'll get your results via email as soon as they are available. We will notify you via SMS as well. You can also see them at any time in the future right in your dashboard where you can easily share them with your professional and compare them side by side with future tests.
Does my lab prescription expire?

We're the only lab that honors your lab order forever.