The blood ionogram is one of the most requested laboratory examinations. It includes the dosage of sodium, potassium, calcium, chlorine and bicarbonates present in the blood. What does a high rate mean? A low rate? What are the standards?
Definition: What is a blood ionogram?
An ionogram Indicates the concentration of the different ions in a liquid. In the case of the blood ionogram, the main ionic constituents of the blood are dosed: sodium (NA), potassium (K), calcium (CA), chlorine (Cl) and bicarbonates (CO3) in plasma. A blood ionogram is used to Monitor hydro-electrolytic balance which is provided by the kidneys, the skin, the breathing and the digestive system.
What are the standards of a blood ionogram?
In accordance with the indications given on your medical analysis sheet, the results (fasting) must be between:
- 135 and 145 meq per liter for sodiumin men, women and children.
- 3.5 and 5 mmol per liter for potassium, In men, women and children.
- 90 to 100 mg per liter for calciumin men, women and children.
- 95 and 105 mmol per liter for chlorinein men, women and children.
- 0.75 and 1 meq per liter for magnesiumin men, women and children.
- 22 and 30 mmol per liter for bicarbonatesin men, women and children.
Please note: standards differ according to the techniques used by laboratories. Know that the results alone do not constitute a diagnosis. It is therefore important to consult a doctor in order to provide with him additional examinations or a possible treatment.
“An essential examination to know how the organization works”
Why do a blood ionogram?
The measurement of the blood ionogram is most often done As part of a control assessment or facing any unexplained pathology. Very common biological examination, it is used to detect a Hydro-electrolytic imbalance which can have consequences on metabolism and to monitor the water intake by infusion. “The blood ionogram is an essential examination to know the general functioning of our body. It can reveal many pathologies that could go unnoticed, in particular any dysfunction of the kidney. It must be part of everything General screening report“”specifies Dr. Marc Druet, general practitioner.
What does a high blood ionogram rate mean?
► Hypernatremia: The increase in sodium levels (hypernatremia) may be the consequence of a decrease in the quantity of water (dehydration): digestive losses, decrease in water intake, significant water loss, sweating or sodium overload.
► Hyperkalemia : An increase in potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can be encountered in people taking potassium supplements, or taking drugs of the antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, in case of kidney failure, etc.
► Hypercalcemia: A too high rate of calcium in the blood may be due to hyperparathyroidism, menopause, intoxication by vitamin D, prolonged immobilization as well as certain cancers.
► Hyperchlorinemia: Chlorine level may experience an increase (hyperchlorinemia) during excessive dehydration by sweating, digestive losses, sodium overload, hypoparathyroidism. or spinal cord of thyroid cancer.
► The rate of bicarbonates can increase in people with the following pathologies, such as in chronic respiratory failure or metabolic alkalosis by repeated vomiting or diarrhea.
What does a low blood ionogram mean?
► Hyponatremia. The sodium level may experience a decrease, what is called hyponatremia, “We must distinguish depletion hyponatremia: during the consequences of a deficit in sodium intake or too significant loss (renal loss by diuretics or digestive loss by diarrhea); and dilution hyponatremia: consequence of an increase in the quantity of water (pathological hyperhydration such as potomania) or during heart, renal, renal, creating edema “, specifies the general practitioner.
► Hypokalemia. A decrease in potassium levels (hypokalemia) can be found in people with vomiting or diarrhea or taking diuretic drugs.
► Hypocalcemia. A low calcium rate (hypocalcemia) in the blood may be due to a lack of absorption of the intestine, a vitamin D deficiency, chronic renal failure, hypoparathyroidism, or medullary cancer of the thyroid.
► Hypochloremia. The rate of chlorine may experience a decrease (hypochloremia) in the following cases during the consequences of a sodium supply deficit: digestive (diarrhea) and renal losses, an increase in the amount of water or excessive sweating.
► The rate of bicarbonates may decrease during metabolic acidoses, acidocetosis occurring in diabetics, states of shock (lactic acidosis), ofkidney failure, severe liver failure or chronic hyperventilations.
What are the treatments in the event of an abnormal blood ionogram?
“The treatments are numerous and varied, they will depend on the cause”, explains Dr. Marc Druet. For example, in the event of hypercalcemia, drugs will be administered to the patients that increase the urinary excretion of calcium.
Thanks to Dr. Marc Druet, general practitioner.
