What is Na K Cl blood test?

An electrolyte test is a blood test that measures if there’s an electrolyte imbalance in the body. Electrolytes are salts and minerals, such as sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate, which are found in the blood. They can conduct electrical impulses in the body.

What is Na+ and K+ test?

Lytes. Electrolytes test is for people suffering from: An imbalance of one of the electrolytes (generally sodium or potassium) or an acid-base imbalance. Main purpose of the Electrolytes test: To diagnose electrolyte imbalance in the body.

What does it mean when your sodium and chloride are low?

Low blood sodium is common in older adults, especially those who are hospitalized or living in long-term care facilities. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia can include altered personality, lethargy and confusion. Severe hyponatremia can cause seizures, coma and even death.

Why would your sodium be low?

Chronic, severe vomiting or diarrhea and other causes of dehydration. This causes your body to lose electrolytes, such as sodium, and also increases ADH levels. Drinking too much water. Drinking excessive amounts of water can cause low sodium by overwhelming the kidneys’ ability to excrete water.

What is the test of kidney function?

Kidney function tests are urine or blood tests that evaluate how well your kidneys are working. Most of these tests measure glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR assesses how efficiently your kidneys clear waste from your system.

What happens if sodium is high?

Hypernatremia typically causes thirst. The most serious symptoms of hypernatremia result from brain dysfunction. Severe hypernatremia can lead to confusion, muscle twitching, seizures, coma, and death.

What happens if chloride is low?

So if your chloride levels drop, you can become sick and dehydrated. If your levels are too high, it often means your kidneys aren’t working properly. There is a simple blood test to measure your chloride levels. The results can tell if your levels are good or if they are out of balance.

What are symptoms of low chloride?

Symptoms of Hypochloremia: Many people do not notice any symptoms, unless they are experiencing very high or very low levels of chloride in their blood. Dehydration, fluid loss, or high levels of blood sodium may be noted. You may be experiencing other forms of fluid loss, such as diarrhea, or vomiting.

What causes low sodium potassium and chloride?

How do you fix low sodium and low chloride?

Treatment

  1. Intravenous fluids. Your doctor may recommend IV sodium solution to slowly raise the sodium levels in your blood.
  2. Medications. You may take medications to manage the signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, such as headaches, nausea and seizures.