Electrolyte Testing in Ja-Ela: Sodium, Potassium & Chloride Blood Tests on the Audicom AC9801

Electrolytes — sodium, potassium and chloride — control the water balance, nerve signals and heart rhythm in your body. When they drift too high or too low it can be dangerous, which is why doctors order electrolyte tests during illness, for kidney and heart patients, and for anyone on certain medications. At St. Luke's Medical Laboratory in Ja-Ela we measure them on a dedicated Audicom AC9801 Electrolyte Analyzer.

What an electrolyte analyzer does

An electrolyte analyzer uses ion-selective electrodes to measure the exact concentration of individual electrolytes in your blood. A dedicated instrument like the Audicom AC9801 is important because electrolyte results need to be both precise and fast — a low potassium, for example, can affect the heart, so the doctor needs a reliable number quickly.

Which tests our Audicom AC9801 powers

The serum electrolytes panel measures sodium, potassium and chloride together. Test names and current LKR prices are the ones published on our price list — this article does not set prices.

Electrolytes are often ordered alongside a renal panel — see the Renal Function Test (LKR 2,200) and other kidney tests on our price list.

Every price is published in Sri Lankan Rupees on our site — most national chains don't publish electrolyte prices at all.

What each electrolyte tells your doctor

• Sodium (Na⁺) — fluid balance and hydration.
• Potassium (K⁺) — heart rhythm and muscle function.
• Chloride (Cl⁻) — acid–base balance and fluid status.

Why this matters if you live near Ja-Ela

Electrolyte tests are ordered far more often than people realise: during vomiting or diarrhoea and dehydration, for patients with kidney disease or heart conditions, for people on diuretics or blood-pressure medication, and during recovery from illness. In Sri Lanka's climate, dehydration alone is a common reason to check them.

Because the Audicom runs at our lab, patients from Ja-Ela, Kandana, Welisara (Walisara), Ragama, Wattala, Batagama and Thudella can get electrolytes checked locally rather than travelling to a large hospital lab. For those along the Negombo Road corridor and around Wattala, we're a short trip up Old Negombo Road.

Electrolytes are often ordered together with a kidney function test, and home blood collection is available if you can't come in.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a serum electrolyte test near Ja-Ela? At St. Luke's Medical Laboratory, No. 67, Old Negombo Road, Ja-Ela. We measure sodium, potassium and chloride on our Audicom AC9801 for LKR 1,350 — see our price list.

Do I need to fast for an electrolyte test? Usually no fasting is required for electrolytes alone, but if it's ordered with other tests you may need to fast for those. Call 071 123 1954 and we'll confirm.

Why has my doctor ordered a potassium test? Potassium affects heart rhythm and muscle function, so it's checked for kidney patients, people on certain blood-pressure or heart medications, and after episodes of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Can I get electrolytes checked locally in Wattala or Kandana? Yes — our Ja-Ela lab is a short drive for patients across Wattala, Kandana and the surrounding towns.

Learn more

For general background on what electrolyte and sodium/potassium blood tests measure, see the MedlinePlus electrolyte panel guide.

See our full test price list, our blood test services and the technology behind our lab.

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St. Luke's Medical Laboratory No. 67, Old Negombo Road, Ja-Ela, Western Province 11350

• Phone: 071 123 1954
• Email: medilabstlukes@gmail.com
• Hours: Mon–Sat 07:00–19:30 · Sun 07:30–12:30

Serving Ja-Ela, Kandana, Welisara (Walisara), Ragama, Wattala, Batagama & Thudella.