How to Read Electrolyte Test Results

Electrolytes are essential for fluid absorption in the body and brain as well as nerve and muscle function. If you're experiencing symptoms like dry mouth, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and fainting, you may experiencing a deficiency or abundance of elements like potassium, calcium or sodium in the blood. If these symptoms persist, it's a good idea to get your electrolyte levels tested in a lab.

Instructions

• 1

  Identify the type of electrolytes tested and how they affect the body. When you read a typical electrolyte panel, you're looking for a measure of calcium, sodium, phosphorous, chloride, bicarbonate, potassium and magnesium levels in the blood.

• 2

  Learn the measurements and terminology used to identify electrolyte levels in most urine and blood tests. Most electrolytes are measured in terms of mg per deciliter (mg/dL) or milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). As long as you recognize these terms on the test, you'll know how to compare your test results to the range for healthy humans,

• 3

  Get a listing of normal electrolyte levels and compare them to your test results. Calcium should fall between 8.5 and 10.5 mg/dL, phosphorus should fall be between 2.4 to 4.1 mg/dL, sodium should be between 136 to 144 mEq/L, chloride levels should be between 101 to 111 mEq/L, potassium should fall between 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L, magnesium should be between 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L and bicarbonate levels should fall between 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L.

• 4

  Consult with your doctor to learn more about how to read your test results. High or low levels of certain electrolytes are indicative of specific diseases or conditions like diabetes, eating disorders, dehydration, liver and kidney disease, heart disease and gastrointestinal issues.

• 5

  Use the test results to create a treatment plan with your doctor. If you're dehydrated or you're suffering from malnutrition, you can develop a plan to introduce electrolytes back into your system. If you're experiencing a side effect of a disease, your doctor can develop a regular electrolyte replacement program for you. If you're allergic to a specific medication, you may need to try a few alternatives to find a healthier version for you.

• 6

  Get retested after a few months. Ask your doctor to read and review your results to see if you're making progress and balancing out your electrolyte levels. If you're not, you need to come up with a new treatment plan.