A blood test is a test where blood from a patient is analyzed in a laboratory. Blood is used in the body to transport various different nutrients, enzymes and other substances around the body. Blood is also used to remove waste from the body and transport it to organs that are responsible for waste disposal. A blood test usually takes just a few minutes and can be completed in any local clinic. The sample blood is then analyzed in a laboratory for any problems that may be associated with it. A urine test is a test where a sample of urine is collected from the patient for analysis in a laboratory. Urine is the liquid waste produced in the human body. From the point of view of a diagnosis, urine is important because it can be used to understand what chemicals and substances are leaving the body. See also iron levels in blood normal range
Electrolytes are important substances for the human body that can conduct electricity. Electrolyte balance in the human body is absolutely essential for good health. A sodium potassium blood test is a test that is used to check the quantities of these specific electrolytes in the blood. Sodium and potassium are two of the most important electrolytes of the human body. The sodium potassium levels are actually tested separately in the laboratory. A sodium potassium blood test is usually conducted on one single sample of blood which may also be tested for many other components and features. The quality and components of the blood are an indication of the health of the individual and of what is going on in the individual's body.
The sodium potassium blood test or a sodium potassium urine test could be conducted if there is any problem with the functioning of the kidneys. Both these electrolytes are usually eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When these organs stop functioning properly, the sodium potassium lab test may return with abnormal results. Improper hydration of the individual's body may also be responsible for abnormal results from a sodium potassium blood test. This may also occur if the individual is suffering from diarrhea or vomiting. This is the reason why electrolyte drinks are given to these patients.
There are also several other conditions that may cause either sodium or potassium levels to be abnormal. Elevated sodium potassium levels and depressed sodium potassium levels are both a cause for concern and should be corrected as soon as possible. These levels are usually symptoms of an underlying condition rather than being a condition themselves.