PATIENT INFORMATION
Why do I need kidney tests or electrolytes?
Kidney function and electrolyte results can matter because the kidneys affect fluid balance and the handling of many medicines. Testing may be relevant in people with kidney disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, certain medicines, dehydration or surgery where significant fluid shifts are expected.
Electrolytes are not necessarily needed routinely in every healthy patient. A targeted test is more useful when the result could change treatment or anaesthetic management.
An abnormal result needs interpretation in your clinical context. Do not decide whether surgery is safe, or change treatment, solely from information on this website.