Avoid lifting heavy items or exercising vigorously for 24 hours after the blood draw.Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, if needed.Place a wrapped ice pack on the bandaged area.You can take these steps to minimize bruising or discomfort: There may be slight inflammation (swelling) or bruising at the needle site, which will go away in a few days. You should wear the bandage for two to four hours to prevent infection. What should I expect after an electrolyte blood test? There are steps they can take to make the blood draw easier for you. Speak up: Let your provider know if you have a fear of needles (trypanophobia) or a fear of blood (hemophobia).Nicotine constricts blood vessels, making it more difficult to insert the needle into a vein. Avoid nicotine: Don’t smoke (including vaping) before a blood draw.Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids before the test to help blood flow easier through blood vessels.These steps can help a blood draw go smoothly: How should I prepare for an electrolyte blood test? A phlebotomist (a specialist trained in drawing blood) or another provider will take the blood sample. The test may take place in a healthcare provider’s office, blood testing lab or hospital. What happens during an electrolyte blood test?Īn electrolyte panel is a relatively simple blood draw. But your healthcare provider may ask you to fast if the lab will be measuring other substances in your blood sample like cholesterol or blood sugar. Typically, you don’t have to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) before getting an electrolyte blood test. It also moves carbon dioxide through your bloodstream.ĭo you need to fast for an electrolyte panel (electrolyte blood test)? Bicarbonate: Maintains a healthy balance of acids and basic alkaline compounds in blood (acid-base balance).Phosphate: Develops healthy teeth and bones and aids nerve and muscle function.Magnesium: Aids nerve and muscle function and promotes the growth of bones and teeth ( skeletal system).Chloride: Helps maintain healthy blood pressure and body fluid levels.Calcium: Supports your musculoskeletal system (bones and muscles), nervous system and circulatory system. Potassium: Supports heart, nerve and muscle function, as well as metabolism.Sodium: Controls fluid levels and aids nerve and muscle function.Your provider may order this test to confirm or rule out a suspected condition.Īn electrolyte panel checks the levels of multiple minerals in your blood, including: Some tests measure only one specific type of electrolyte. What is included in an electrolyte panel? Overhydration or water intoxication (drinking too much water).Cardiovascular disease, heart failure or high blood pressure.Dehydration due to not drinking enough liquids or from excessive vomiting, diarrhea, sweating ( hyperhidrosis) or fever.You may get an electrolyte panel as part of a routine physical examination, during hospitalization or to determine the cause of certain symptoms.Īn electrolyte panel can detect electrolyte imbalances caused by: What is the purpose of an electrolyte panel? Controlling your heart rate and rhythm.Electrolytes get their name because they give off an electrical charge when they dissolve in body fluids. You also get electrolytes from foods, drinks and supplements. Other names for an electrolyte panel test include:Įlectrolytes are minerals found in blood, tissue, urine and other body fluids. Certain conditions, including dehydration, cardiovascular disease and kidney disease, can cause electrolyte levels to become too high or low. What is an electrolyte panel (electrolyte blood test)?Īn electrolyte panel is a blood test that measures the levels of seven electrolytes in your blood.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |