Electrolyte analyzers perform tests routinely ordered by doctors, sometimes as part of a regular physical exam. They are also used as a tool in diagnosing medical conditions or to verify whether a medication was effective in changing electrolyte levels in a patient's body. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a waste product of the body's metabolism and mixes with the blood in the form of bicarbonate, which is also measured using electrolyte analyzers.

Electrolyte analyzers are also used by veterinarians to check levels of potassium, sodium and chloride in animals. Additionally, fish ponds are routinely checked using electrolyte analysis kits, because it is important for fish to have the right levels of electrolytes in the water to support proper gill function. If you are planning to purchase electrolyte analyzers or supplies, consider the following:

1. Obtain lab electrolyte analyzers for a medical laboratory.

2. Get electrolyte testing supplies needed to perform electrolyte analyses.

3. Make sure your fish pond(s) contain the right amount of electrolytes with electrolyte testing supplies for water.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy electrolyte analyzers for your hospital, physician or reference lab

Electrolyte testing machines enable the efficient and thorough analysis of serum, plasma, liquor, urine and dialysis samples in medical laboratories. Electrolyte analyzer prices are well worth it, considering how time consuming the analyses would be in a lab setting without the equipment.

I recommend: Beach Medical carries refurbished lab electrolyte analyzers, including medical and veterinary models. A&T sells new electrolyte analyzers, supporting the analysis of serum, plasma, liquor, urine and dialysis samples. Idexx Laboratories sells an economical veterinary electrolyte testing machine for high-volume testing. Jinan Kinghawk Technology offers competitive prices on electrolyte analyzers and provides free maintenance. Prices tend to vary between suppliers of electrolyte analyzers.

Purchase the electrolyte testing supplies needed by your lab

Additional supplies are required to use lab electrolyte analyzers. These include electrolyte testing supplies for physician labs, hospital labs and reference labs.

I recommend: Modern Laboratory Services carries medical laboratory equipment as well as medical laboratory supplies, including electrolyte analyzer kits. Fisher HealthCare, a division of Thermo Fisher Scientific, sells blood gas/electrolyte testing supplies.

Shop for electrolyte testing supply products for testing of fish ponds

It's important to test electrolyte concentrations in pond water, because fish need potassium, sodium chloride and magnesium to carry oxygen across the gill membranes. Also, fish and pond plants are sensitive to toxic nitrates, which are detected using an electrolyte testing kit. Proper electrolyte levels are also required to reduce the risk of osmotic shock in fish, resulting from an inability to release ammonia.

I recommend: Underwater Warehouse sells supplies for testing the electrolyte concentrations in pond water. Landmasters Group also sells an electrolyte/salt test kit.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Electrolyte analyzers can be expensive. Look for electrolyte analyzers for sale with a promise of free maintenance.