Healthy Electrolytes

WHAT?

A laboratory based electrolyte test using a blood sample collected at select Clicks Clinics. Results are provided within 24 hours of the sample reaching the laboratory.

WHY?

An electrolyte test measures levels of vital minerals in the body that control important physiological functions. An imbalance occurs when there are too many or too few minerals in your body. The most common cause of an imbalance is an excess or shortage of water in your system.

The body needs electrolytes to:

• Balance water levels
• Move nutrients into cells
• Remove waste products
• Send nerve signals
• Enable muscles to relax and contract effectively
• Maintain normal brain and heart function

If you have an electrolyte imbalance, you may experience a wide range of diverse symptoms, depending on the underlying cause of the imbalance.

WHO & WHEN?

We get electrolytes from the food and drinks we consume and our kidneys and liver help to maintain the correct balance. Generally, if a person follows a healthy diet and drinks enough fluids, electrolyte levels remain within the right ranges.

Checking electrolyte levels can provide answers if you experience symptoms such as:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle cramps/spasms
• Weakness
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Irregular or fast heart rate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Numbness or tingling in the limbs, fingers and toes

An electrolyte imbalance can occur due to excessive vomiting or diarrhoea caused by an illness, or after engaging in extreme exercise and sweating. Older adults may be more susceptible to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances than younger adults since kidney function can diminish with age and certain medications can alter electrolyte levels.

A mild imbalance, which typically presents no severe symptoms, can be remedied by drinking water or an electrolyte solution that can be obtained from a pharmacy, which helps to restore electrolyte balance. However, a severe imbalance may indicate an underlying health condition, such as kidney or heart disease.

HOW?

This sample kit contains a finger-prick blood collection device and clear instructions. With it you can collect a sample at home. Samples are couriered to and tested at the BioSmart accredited pathology laboratory.

Blood is tested for the following minerals:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Chloride
• Magnesium
• Phosphate

Your electrolyte health report will come in an easy-to-understand format with a detailed breakdown of results, what they mean and your next steps.