Why get tested? To detect a problem with the body's fluid and electrolyte balance
When to get tested? As part of routine health screening, when your doctor suspects that you have an excess or deficit of one of the electrolytes (usually sodium or potassium), or if your doctor suspects an acid-base imbalance
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm
This article was last reviewed on October 24, 2008.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
The modified date indicates that one or more changes were made to the page. Such changes may or may not result from a full review of the page, so the two dates may not always agree.
