Electrolytes Panel
CPT Code(s):
80051
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
2 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
Electrolyte Panel holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in assessing the levels of various electrolytes in a patient's blood. Electrolytes are essential minerals that help regulate important physiological processes in the body, including nerve function, muscle contraction, fluid balance, and pH regulation.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of Electrolyte Panel include:
1. Assessment of Electrolyte Imbalances: The test helps identify and evaluate electrolyte imbalances such as hypernatremia (high sodium levels), hyponatremia (low sodium levels), hyperkalemia (high potassium levels), hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hypercalcemia (high calcium levels), and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels). These imbalances can arise from various medical conditions, medications, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, or endocrine disorders. Detecting and monitoring electrolyte imbalances is crucial for managing and treating underlying conditions.
2. Evaluation of Kidney Function: Electrolyte Panel includes markers such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, which provide information about kidney function. Abnormal levels of BUN and creatinine can indicate impaired renal function or kidney disease. Monitoring these markers helps in the early detection and management of kidney disorders.
3. Assessment of Acid-Base Balance: The test measures the levels of bicarbonate (HCO3-) in the blood, which is an important component of the body's acid-base balance. Abnormal bicarbonate levels can indicate metabolic acidosis or alkalosis, providing valuable information for diagnosing and managing acid-base disorders.
4. Monitoring Fluid and Electrolyte Replacement: Electrolyte Panel is used to monitor patients receiving intravenous fluid therapy or those with conditions that require electrolyte replacement, such as dehydration, electrolyte losses, or certain diseases. Regular monitoring of electrolyte levels ensures appropriate and timely adjustments in fluid and electrolyte replacement therapies.
5. Preoperative Assessment: Electrolyte Panel is often performed as part of preoperative evaluations to assess a patient's electrolyte status. An accurate assessment of electrolyte levels helps guide anesthesia management and perioperative care, reducing the risk of complications during surgery.
6. Monitoring Medication Effects: Certain medications, such as diuretics, steroids, and certain antibiotics, can affect electrolyte levels. Electrolyte Panel helps monitor the impact of these medications on electrolyte balance and guides dose adjustments or supplemental therapy as needed.
In summary, Electrolyte Panel has specific clinical significance in assessing electrolyte imbalances, evaluating kidney function, monitoring acid-base balance, guiding fluid and electrolyte replacement therapy, aiding in preoperative assessments, and monitoring medication effects. By measuring various electrolyte levels in the blood, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, disease management, and optimizing patient care outcomes related to electrolyte disturbances and associated medical conditions.