Common Lab Values...................Electrolyte Values with its interpretation
Ehab Ali Maher
Last update :
Electrolyte Values
Reference Range for Electrolyte With Its Interpretation
SODIUM
Sodium is the
most abundant cation in the blood and its chief base. It functions in the body
to maintain osmotic pressure, acid-base balance and to transmit nerve impulses.
Very Low value: seizure and Neurologic Sx.
Normal Adult Range:
135-146 mEq/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 140.5
Potassium
Potassium is the major intracellular cation. Very low
value: Cardiac arythemia.
Normal Range: 3.5 - 5.5 mEq/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 4.5
CHLORID
Elevated
levels are related to acidosis as wellas too much water crossing
the cell membrane
Decreased levels with decreased serum albumin
may indicate water deficiencycrossing thecell
membrane (edema). - Diabetes
Normal Adult Range:
95-112 mEq/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 103 mEq/L
Interpretation
Chloride
contributes to the body’s acid/base balance. Along with Sodium, Potassium and
Carbon Dioxide, it is important in evaluating acid/base relationships, state of
hydration, adrenal and renal functions. Its level varies inversely with Carbon
Dioxide. Chloride elevation indicates acidosis, decrease indicate alkalosis.
CO2 (Carbon Dioxide)
The
CO2 level is related tothe respiratory exchange of carbon
dioxide in the lungs and is part of the bodies buffering system. Generally when
used with the other electrolytes, it is a good indicator of acidosis and
alkalinity.
Normal Adult Range: 22-32 mEq/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 27
Normal Children's Range - 20 - 28 mEq/L
Optimal Children's Reading: 24
CALCIUM
involved in bone
metabolism, protein absorption, fat transfer muscular contraction, transmission
of nerve impulses, blood clotting and cardiac function. Regulated by
parathyroid.
Normal Adult Range:
8.5-10.3 mEq/dl
Optimal Adult Reading: 9.4
Interpretation
Serum
calcium is not at all reflective of total body stores of calcium but rather
reflects the metabolic and hormonal state of the individual. Ionic or free
calcium is not only the biologically active form of calcium but reflects the
amount of albumin and the blood pH.
Serum
calcium can not be properly interpreted without serum albumin level. Use the
formula Adjusted Calcium = Serum calcium - serum albumin + 4. By far the most
common causes of hypocalcaemia are primary hyperparathyroidism, malignancy, and
drug-induced. A PTH, calcium, albumin and phosphorus level drawn simultaneously
helps classify the etiology into main groups. Watch for signs of calcium
deposition and kidney stones.
MAGNESIUM
Optimal
Range: 2-3 mg/DL
Interpretation :
The
serum magnesium is not reflective of total magnesium stores. Unfortunately there
is not a good test for magnesium, but a red cell Mg level is preferable to
serum magnesium. Approximately 2/3 to ¾ of magnesium in blood is not attached
to protein.
An increased measurement
is associated with metabolic acidosis due to the overproduction of acids (a
state of alkalinity is in effect). Decreased levels may indicate metabolic
alkalosis due to the overproduction of alkaloids (a state of acidosis is in
effect).
