Electrolytes

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.

Hyponatremia is considered the most common electrolyte imbalance. It can be caused by the decrease of the circulating blood volume, as seen in congestive heart failure and hepatic cirrhosis.

The kidneys help to maintain electrolyte concentrations by regulating its concentrations in the body.