The Lytes blood test is a measurement of a person’s electrolyte levels. It is a common test that is frequently ordered when someone goes to the doctor to get an annual checkup. It is often part of a basic metabolic panel or a comprehensive metabolic panel. It may also be ordered by itself. The goal is simple: to identify an imbalance of electrolytes that may be altering organ functionality within the body.
There are several different electrolytes that are measured on the Lytes blood test. Potassium and sodium are the two primary results that tend to be focused upon, but other items like chloride will also be looked at. Based on the results, a treatment plan can then be implemented.
When Is the Lytes Blood Test Ordered?
People who report for emergency health care often have the Lytes blood test ordered to determine the overall state of their health. People who are experiencing cramps, dizziness, or a shortness of breath because of a possible irregular heartbeat will often have this test ordered. If there is a chronic illness being monitored, it is not uncommon to have this blood test used as a monitoring tool.
People with ongoing high blood pressure issues will also frequently have this blood test ordered to make sure their electrolyte levels are balanced. No preparation is necessary for this test to occur. It can be drawn the same day it is ordered.
What Do the Test Results Mean?
There are a number of different electrolyte compounds that are being evaluated on the Lytes blood test, so each item being abnormal may or may not be medically significant. Potassium and sodium levels are the two primary electrolytes that are focused upon because their imbalance can cause some severe health issues.
Abnormal results may be high or low. Electrolyte levels are generally low when the body is trying to retain fluids for some reason. Poor kidney functionality, for example, may stop fluid loss and dilute sodium levels. Diabetes, nerve problems, muscle breakdown, and heart disease are also known to cause an electrolyte imbalance. Medical providers will look at the balance, how abnormal the results happen to be, and recommend dietary or lifestyle changes.
Diluted electrolyte levels can often be rectified by incorporating diuretics into the diet.
What Is the Anion Gap?
Some Lytes blood test results refer to what is known as the “Anion Gap.” This is a value that is calculated from the elctrolyte measurements to determine if there is too much acid within the body. Called acidosis, this condition can interfere with cell functions and interfere with a treatment plan that has been implemented.
Having a large Anion Gap can be an indication that there is uncontrolled diabetes or kidney damage that has occurred. People who fast for long periods of time or have ingested high amounts of aspirin may also experience this result. Certain toxic items such as methanol may also cause this result if ingested.
The Lytes Blood Test May Be Used As a Monitoring Tool
There are certain drugs that can affect the outcome of the Lytes blood test. Cough medicine, laxatives, and birth control pills are the most common items that are taken which can affect results. Antacids, diuretics including caffeine, and antidepressants may also affect blood test results.
Potassium results may be a false positive.
It is not uncommon for potassium to leak out of blood cells have a sample has been taken. If a medical provider suspects that potassium levels are no in line with the signs or symptoms that are being presented, then another test may be ordered to specifically look at this one electrolyte. People who take one specific electrolyte supplement, such as potassium pills, may also have false positive results because of their lifestyle habits.
Treating electrolyte imbalances is generally a simple process that includes lifestyle changes. Someone with abnormally low levels of electrolytes may be given an IV at the medical office to help restore balance. This often causes people to feel like they have more energy because they feel more hydrated, which is especially common for high caffeine users.
The Lytes blood test is not generally used as a screening tool. It is simply used to determine if there is a need for certain substances to be added or reduced to the body. Follow a medical providers recommendations and if there are any questions about personal results, use this guide to as questions at a follow-up appointment.