ELECTROLYTE VALUES

Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Carbon Dioxide - CO2
Calcium
Phosphorus
Anion Gap
Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio
Sodium/Potassium

SODIUM - Sodium is the most abundant cation (pronounced cat-ion) 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 symptoms.

Sodium, serum: 136-145 mEq/L
Sodium, urine: 136-145 mEq/L

[ back to top ]

POTASSIUM - Potassium is the major intracellular cation. Very low value: Cardiac arrhythmia.

Potassium, serum: 3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
Potassium, urine: varies with diet

Health Consults with ME! Lab Test Interpretations with ME! Who is Dr. Standley? e-mailing me questions

[ back to top ]

CHLORIDE - Elevated levels are related to acidosis as well as too much water crossing the cell membrane. Decreased levels with decreased serum albumin may indicate water deficiency crossing the cell membrane (edema).

Chloride, CSF: 118-132 mEq/L
Chloride, serum: 95-105 mEq/L
Chloride, sweat: 0-35 mmol/L
Chloride, urine: varies with diet

[ back to top ]

CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) - The CO2 level is related to the 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 Childrens Range - 20 - 28 mEq/L
Optimal Childrens Reading: 24

[ back to top ]

CALCIUM - involved in bone metabolism, protein absorption, fat transfer muscular contraction, transmission of nerve impulses, blood clotting and cardiac function. Regulated by parathyroid.

Calcium, ionized: 4.4 - 5.1 mg/dL
Calcium, serum: 8.4 - 10.2 mEq/dl
Calcium, urine: 100 - 300 mg/24 h

[ back to top ]

PHOSPHORUS - Generally inverse with Calcium.

Phosphorus, serum: 3.0 - 4.5 mg/dL

[ back to top ]

ANION GAP (Sodium + Potassium - CO2 + Chloride) - 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).

Normal Adult Range: 7 - 16 mEq/L

Health Consults with ME! Lab Test Interpretations with ME! Who is Dr. Standley? e-mailing me questions

[ back to top ]

CALCIUM/PHOSPHORUS Ratio

Normal Adult Range: 2.3 - 3.3 (calculated)
Optimal Adult Reading: 2.8
Normal Children’s range: 1.3 - 3.3 (calculated)
Optimal Children’s Reading: 2.3

[ back to top ]

SODIUM/POTASSIUM

Normal Adult Range: 26 - 38 (calculated)
Optimal Adult Reading: 32

[ back to top ]

Treat Yourself S-P-E-C-I-A-L™ Home Study Yourself e-Course™ "Whatever you should be doing with your Life, you've been doing it your whole Life." - (Dr. Loretta Standley)

DISCLAIMER