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Laboratory Tests

This section provides detailed information on a wide range of laboratory tests relevant to women's medicine

A rapid reference

Electrolytes

Electrolytes are the salts (ions, anions, cations) that are found in the blood. They consist primarily of:

 

Normal Values*

Calcium

Men 8.8-10.0 mg/dl 2.15-2.55 mmol/L
Women 9.0-10.5 mg/dl 2.15-2.55 mmol/L
Pregnancy 8.1-9.5 mg/dl 2.02-2.40 mmol/L
Children 9.2-11.0 mg/dl 2.30-2.75 mmol/L

Chloride

Men 98-106 mmol/L
Women 98-106 mmol/L
Pregnancy 93-100 mmol/L

Phosphorus

Men 2.7-4.5 mg/dl
Women 3.0-4.5 mg/dl

Magnesium

Men 1.7-2.8 mg/dl 0.70-1.15 mmol/L
Women 2-3 mg/dl 0.82-1.24 mmol/L
Pregnancy 1.6-2.1 mg/dl 0.66-0.86 mmol/L
Therapeutic Range
in Pre-eclampsia 		4-7 mEq/L 1.65-2.88 mmol/L

Potassium

Men 3.5-5.0 mEq/L 3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Women 3.5-5.0 mEq/L 3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Pregnancy 3.3-4.1 mEq/L 3.3-4.1 mmol/L

Sodium

Men 135-138 mEq/L 135-138 mmol/L
Women 136-145 mEq/L 136-145 mmol/L
Pregnancy 130-140 mEq/L 130-140 mmol/L

*These are general values taken from a variety of sources. The actual normal values may vary from lab to lab and from one type of testing protocol to another.
Source: Operational Medicine 2001,  Health Care in Military Settings, NAVMED P-5139, May 1, 2001, Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, Department of the Navy, 2300 E Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20372-5300