Comparison of Plasma and Serum Electrolyte Levels In Patients Attending Emergency Out Patient Department of a Tertiary Health Care Level Institute of North India

Dr. Veena Sing Ghalaut; Dr. Rajju Tiwari

Volume : VII, Issue : IV, April - 2017

Comparison of Plasma and Serum Electrolyte Levels In Patients Attending Emergency Out Patient Department of a Tertiary Health Care Level Institute of North India

Dr. Veena Sing Ghalaut, Dr. Rajju Tiwari

Abstract :

Background: Electrolytes are important parameter for clinical decision making and are measured by electrolyte analyser.Almost all metabolic processes are mediated by electrolytes ,so variation in electrolyte concentration can cause variety of disorders. Electrolytes are measured in serum and plasma and it is important to compare them for correct diagnosis and treatment.

Objective: To compare sodium and potassium levels in serum and plasma.

Materials and Methods: Hundred patients attending emergency OPD of PGMIS Rohtak were enrolled in this study. Venous and arterial blood samples were taken for serum and plasma measurement of sodium and potassium and samples were analysed in combiline blood gas analyser.

Results: Mean serum concentrations of sodium (140.79± 9.31) and potassium (4.84± 0.87) were higher than plasma concentrations of sodium (135.62±10.00) and potassium (3.69± 0.85) (p<0.05). A positive correlation was also found with the serum and plasma values of both the electrolytes.

Conclusion: Serum concentrations of sodium and potassium were higher than plasma level. Conventionally, electrolyte analysis is performed on serum, so studies should be conducted in critical care centres and a correction factor need to be established which helps in determining accurate electrolyte concentration.