A plasma ionogram is a test that measures the main electrolytes present in blood plasma and their respective representation. These electrolytes are sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), chlorine (Cl), calcium (Ca), and bicarbonate (CO3), although the latter is usually requested in arterial blood gases.
The balance of these electrolytes is essential for the proper functioning of our body and the maintenance of its functions.
The objective of the plasma ionogram is to control the fluid and electrolyte balance, helping to establish the diagnosis in pathologies with diffuse symptoms whose origin is suspected to be renal, digestive, cutaneous or respiratory.
The universality of this study as a diagnostic tool allows it to be carried out in individuals of any sex and age, adapting the reference values considered "normal" to each patient, even if there is an underlying pathology that may alter them in an expected manner.
Normal values of the plasma ionogram
The units for the measurement of serum electrolytes can vary between mmol / L, mEq / L and mg / dL.
The serum sodium value is expected to be between 134 and 145 mEq / L, and this measurement is called natraemia, the excess of sodium is called hypernatremia and its deficit hyponatremia, with clinical characteristics that tend towards cardiovascular, hepatic and renal etiology.
Adequate serum potassium, called kalemia or potassium, is between 3.5 and 5 mEq / L.
Elevated levels of potassium, which can be caused by increased intake, disturbances in distribution, or failure of potassium excretion, are called hyperkalemia or hyperkalemia.
In contrast, low potassium levels in the blood, generally secondary to dehydration regardless of its cause, is called hypokalemia or hypokalemia.
Regarding calcium, whose importance is not only limited to bone mineralization but also to the contractility of the heart muscle, its reference values are between 8.7 and 10.2 mg / dL for total serum calcium.
Hyper and hypocalcemia can be caused by endocrine disorders, poisoning, and kidney failure, and its symptoms range from peptic ulcers to heart rhythm disorders.
Chlorine values in the blood are expected to be between 90 and 100 mEq / L, and its increase and decrease are both related to excessive sweating and dehydration.
Magnesium is dependent on the mobilization of potassium in and out of cells, so that if there is hypomagnesemia it will usually be accompanied by hypokalemia and hypocalcemia.
Its normal values are between 1.5 to 2.5 mEq / L and its functions include, among other things, neuronal repolarization and synthesis of neurotransmitters.
Finally, bicarbonate, which acts as a buffer or regulator of plasma pH and depends on kidney and lung function, is part of the arterial blood gas, but it is commonly included in the plasma ionogram due to its close link with the hydroelectrolyte disorder.
Its serum values are between 22 and 30 mmol / L and its increase or decrease translates into acidity or alkalinity.
The vital urgency represented by the disorder of any of these serum electrolytes, mainly potassium, places this test as one of the most important in the control of patients in the extreme ages of life and who are in intermediate care units to intensive.
References
- Medical News Today. Visible body: Everything you need to know about electrolytes. By Adam Felman. Last updated Mon 20 November 2017. Reviewed by Nancy Choi MD. Recovered from: medicalnewstoday.com
- Healthline. Visible body: All about Electrolyte Disorders. By: Kimberly Holland. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, MD on July 18, 2017. Retrieved from: healthline.com
- Verywell. Visible body: Deciphering Routine HIV Blood Tests. What tests mean and why they're important to your health. By James Myhre and Dennis Sifris, MD, a board-certified physician. Updated June 09, 2017 Recovered from: verywell.com
- Ausmed. Visible body: Normal Ranges and Disturbances for Common Electrolytes. Lynda Lampert and Tracy Edwards. September 29, 2016. Recovered from. ausmed.com