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| | COMMON LAB VALUES IN ELECTROLYTES |
Page last updated: 11/18/07
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READ FIRST: This is a brief summary of lab value interpretation
and is not intended in any way to be comprehensive or replace
any conversation of your results with your doctor.
ELECTROLYTE VALUES
Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Carbon Dioxide - CO2
Calcium
Phosphorus
Anion Gap
Calcium/Phosphorus Ratio
Sodium/Potassium
CHECK OUT OTHER LAB VALUES
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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.
Normal Adult Range: 135-146 mEq/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 140.5
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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
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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).
Normal Adult Range: 95-112 mEq/L
Optimal Adult Reading: 103
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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
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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
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PHOSPHORUS - Generally inverse with Calcium.
Normal Adult Range: 2.5 - 4.5 mEq/dl
Optimal Adult Reading: 3.5
Normal Childrens Range: 3 - 6 mEq/dl
Optimal Childrens Range: 4.5
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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: 4 - 14 (calculated)
Optimal Adult Reading: 9
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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
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SODIUM/POTASSIUM
Normal Adult Range: 26 - 38 (calculated)
Optimal Adult Reading: 32
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DISCLAIMER
**This web site's goal is to provide you with information that may be useful in attaining optimal health. Nothing in it is meant as a prescription or as medical advice. You should check with your physician before implementing any changes in your exercise or lifestyle habits, especially if you have physical problems or are taking medications of any kind.