Abstract

Background: Electrolyte abnormalities can precipitate life-threatening events. In such situations, rapid and accurate assessment of electrolyte abnormalities may enable the institution of focused therapies. The present study was conducted to determine efficacy of electrolytes assessed by point-of-care testing.
Materials & Methods: 60 patients of both genders were selected and from each patient, paired sample of arterial blood and venous blood were collected at the same time. Whole blood electrolytes were analyzed using a point-of-care blood gas analyzer and serum electrolytes were analyzed in the central laboratory.
Results: Out of 60 patients, males were 35 and females were 25. ElectrolytesABG value (mmol/L) and serum value (mmol/L) of Sodium < 130 was 127.6 and 129.3, sodium 130–145 was 134.2 and 138.5 and sodium > 145 was 150.7 and 149.3, potassium < 3 was 1.8 and 2.5, potassium 3-4 was 3.5 and 3.8, potassium >4 was 4.6 and 4.8 and potassium >5 was 6.7 and 6.0 respectively. The difference was significant (P< 0.05).
Conclusion: Practitioners should be aware of the difference between whole blood and serum electrolytes, particularly when urgent samples are tested at point of care and routine follow-up electrolytes are sent to the central laboratory