Electrolyte balance is crucial to regulate pH and hydration of the body and is critical for nerve and muscle function.
Sodium (Na+) is the major positive ion in the extracellular fluid compartment (ECF) and is mainly responsible for the osmotic pressure in plasma. Potassium (K+) is the major positive ion in the intracellular space (ICS) and is essential for many body functions, mainly the neuromuscular excitability. Chloride (Cl-) is the most important anion in serum besides bicarbonate. It is involved in maintenance of water distribution and anion-cation-balance.
Abnormal sodium values are a sign of dehydration, edema, endocrine diseases and numerous other disorders. Irregular potassium levels can indicate shock, cardiac arrhythmia or hypertension in patients with prediabetes or newly diagnosed diabetes. Abnormal chloride values can be a sign for a disturbed acid-base balance.
Ion-selective electrodes (ISE) are the most common method for electrolyte measurement. However, ISE can have high maintenance costs due to permanent rinsing and expensive renewals.
DiaSys offers photometric electrolytes that can be a cost- and space-saving alternative to electrolyte measurement with ISE.
Due to the tight regulation of electrolyte concentrations within the body, assays need to meet highest requirements regarding accuracy, precision and interferences.
For more information on DiaSys electrolytes, please refer to:
Sodium FS
Potassium FS
Chloride FS
Isabella Wieland