Electrolytes

A chloride test is useful in diagnosing the underlying causes of abnormal fluid levels or pH balances, such as dehydration, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or other disorders. Chloride is a major mineral in the body that manufactures channels in cell membranes, which carry out different vital tasks.

A sodium test looks at electrolytes and pH. When sodium levels are abnormal, it can signal issues with the brain, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, thyroid, and adrenal glands.

Calcium levels help understand symptoms related to the kidneys, bones, thyroid, parathyroid, or nerves. Calcium is a mineral the body uses to build and maintain strong bones, teeth, muscle control, and blood circulation.

Potassium levels can detect kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or other disorders. As an electrolyte, potassium helps muscles contract, aids digestion, allows nerves to transport messages from the brain to the body, and balances fluids and regulates blood pressure.

Carbon dioxide (bicarbonate) levels monitor pH and/or electrolyte balance. When irregular, it can be a sign of dehydration, kidney disease, liver disease, heart failure, high blood pressure, or other disorders. Bicarbonate is an alkali of the electrolyte family. As an alkali, it plays a role in balancing the acid-base in pH balance.

Magnesium is a mineral imperative for cells to make energy, for chemical pumps to work and stabilize membranes, and to help muscles relax. Low magnesium can impact calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and/or parathyroid hormone. This test helps evaluate absorption and helps determine whether or not there’s a problem with kidney function or the gastrointestinal tract.