| Test | Conventional | SI | Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anion Gap | 8-16 mEq/L | 8-16 mmol/L | - |
| Bicarbonate (CO₂ content) | 22-29 mEq/L | 22-29 mmol/L | < 15 or > 40 mmol/L |
| Calcium, Ionized | 4.6-5.3 mg/dL | 1.15-1.33 mmol/L | < 3.2 or > 6.2 mg/dL |
| Calcium, Total (Ca²⁺) | 8.6-10.2 mg/dL | 2.15-2.55 mmol/L | < 6.0 or > 13.0 mg/dL |
| Chloride (Cl⁻) | 98-106 mEq/L | 98-106 mmol/L | < 80 or > 115 mmol/L |
| Magnesium (Mg²⁺) | 1.6-2.6 mg/dL | 0.66-1.07 mmol/L | < 1.0 or > 4.9 mg/dL |
| Phosphate (Phosphorus) | 2.5-4.5 mg/dL | 0.81-1.45 mmol/L | < 1.0 mg/dL |
| Potassium (K⁺) | 3.5-5 mEq/L | 3.5-5 mmol/L | < 2.5 or > 6.5 mmol/L (life-threatening arrhythmia risk) |
| Sodium (Na⁺) | 135-145 mEq/L | 135-145 mmol/L | < 120 or > 160 mmol/L (seizure and neurologic risk) |
Panel
Electrolytes & Minerals
Sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate - the core of the BMP. 9 tests, 8 with a taught threshold.
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Frequently asked questions
What tests are in a Electrolytes & Minerals?
The Electrolytes & Minerals on this page lists 9 tests: Anion Gap, Bicarbonate (CO₂ content), Calcium, Ionized, Calcium, Total (Ca²⁺), Chloride (Cl⁻), Magnesium (Mg²⁺), Phosphate (Phosphorus), Potassium (K⁺), Sodium (Na⁺). Each is shown with its conventional and SI teaching reference range.
What does the Electrolytes & Minerals check for?
Sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, and phosphate - the core of the BMP. These are educational teaching values - ranges vary by laboratory and method, and are not for clinical decisions.
Which Electrolytes & Minerals values are critical?
8 of the 9 tests in this Electrolytes & Minerals carry a taught threshold: Bicarbonate (CO₂ content) (< 15 or > 40 mmol/L); Calcium, Ionized (< 3.2 or > 6.2 mg/dL); Calcium, Total (Ca²⁺) (< 6.0 or > 13.0 mg/dL); Chloride (Cl⁻) (< 80 or > 115 mmol/L); Magnesium (Mg²⁺) (< 1.0 or > 4.9 mg/dL); Phosphate (Phosphorus) (< 1.0 mg/dL); Potassium (K⁺) (< 2.5 or > 6.5 mmol/L (life-threatening arrhythmia risk)); Sodium (Na⁺) (< 120 or > 160 mmol/L (seizure and neurologic risk)). These are teaching thresholds, not clinical cutoffs - always use the values your laboratory reports.