Doctors order basic blood chemistry tests to assess a wide range
of conditions and the function of organs. Often, blood tests
check electrolytes, the minerals that help keep the body's fluid
levels in balance, and are necessary to help the muscles, heart,
and other organs work properly. To assess kidney function and
blood sugar, blood tests measure other substances. Tests for
Electrolytes Typically, tests for electrolytes measure levels of
sodium, potassium, chloride, and bicarbonate in the body. Sodium
plays a major role in regulating the amount of water in the
body. Also, the passage of sodium in and out of cells is
necessary for many body functions, like transmitting electrical
signals in the brain and in the muscles. The sodium levels are
measured to detect whether there's the right balance of sodium
and liquid in the blood to carry out those functions. If a child
becomes dehydrated because of vomiting, diarrhea, or inadequate
fluid intake, the sodium levels can be abnormally high or low,
which can cause