The test measures the levels of key electrolytes in the blood, including sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate, to assess fluid balance and overall health.

It provides crucial information about electrolyte levels, helping diagnose and manage conditions like dehydration, kidney disease, heart problems, and metabolic disorders.

Generally, fasting is not required. However, it’s important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as these can affect the test results.

Results are typically available within a few hours to a day, allowing for prompt medical decision-making based on the electrolyte levels in your blood.

Abnormal levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including dehydration, kidney dysfunction, certain medications, and metabolic disorders. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results and provide guidance based on your specific condition.

Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition where the kidneys gradually lose function over time, leading to waste buildup in the body.

Common causes include diabetes, high blood pressure, glomerulonephritis, polycystic kidney disease, and recurrent kidney infections.

Symptoms may include fatigue, swelling in ankles and feet, nausea, shortness of breath, confusion, and decreased urine output.

Diagnosis is made through blood tests, urine tests, imaging studies, and sometimes a kidney biopsy to assess kidney function and damage.

Treatments include medications to manage symptoms, lifestyle changes, dialysis, and in severe cases, kidney transplantation.

Diagnosis is typically made using imaging techniques like MRI or CT scans, and may include a biopsy for definitive characterization.