Medica EasyLyte Solutions Pack, NA/K/Ca/pH, 400mL

Medica EasyLyte Solutions Pack, NA/K/Ca/pH, 400mL

Intended Use 

The EasyLyte Na+/K+/Ca++/pH Solutions Pack is intended for the quantitative determination of sodium (Na+), potassium (K+) and ionized calcium (iCa++) in human serum, plasma and whole blood using the MEDICA EasyLyte® Analyzer. 

Measurements of pH are used only to normalize ionized calcium results to pH of 7.40 units and not for diagnostic purposes.

For professional use only. For in vitro diagnostic use only.

Summary and Explanation

Electrolyte measurements in biological fluids were traditionally performed using flame photometry. The development of selective organic compounds for sodium, potassium, ionized calcium and other electrolytes has permitted the development of sensors capable of the direct measurement of biological fluids throughout the physiological range. These sensors are known as ion-selective sensors.

Sodium is the major cation in extracellular fluid and has a major effect on osmotic pressure and water distribution between cells, plasma and interstitial fluid. Low sodium imbalance (Hyponatremia) is associated with diarrhea, server polyuria, metabolic acidosis, Addison’s disease and renal tubular disease. High sodium imbalance (Hypernatremia) is associated with hyperadrenalism, severe dehydration, brain injury, diabetic coma and excess treatment with sodium salts.

Potassium is a major cation in intracellular liquid. Potassium imbalance has a direct effect on muscle irritability, myocardial function and respiration. Some conditions that effect potassium levels in blood include hypoaldosternism, diarrhea, vomiting and therapy with diuretics for hypertension or cardiac disease. Unlike sodium, there is no mechanism to maintain a threshold potassium level in the body.

Ionized calcium is the only physiologically active form of calcium. Increased or decreased levels of ionized calcium are directly related to hyperparathyroidism and hyperparathyroidism respectively. Calcium regulates muscle contraction, hormone secretion and membrane permeability. Acidosis (low pH) causes and increase in the amount of ionized calcium and alkalosis (high pH) causes a decrease in the amount of ionized calcium.