Lytes
Medical abbreviation · Laboratory Test
| Stands for | Electrolytes |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
Lytes stands for Electrolytes, a laboratory test abbreviation.
Informal clinical clipping of "electrolytes", meaning sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate and often magnesium and phosphorus as well. It turns up in verbal orders, sign-out notes and replacement protocols rather than on formal lab requisitions.
Example: Lytes q6h while on the insulin drip; replete K to keep it above 4.
Usage notes
Pronounced "lights". Many hospitals run nurse-driven electrolyte replacement protocols that replace potassium, magnesium and phosphorus according to the latest lytes, with stricter limits in kidney failure. On a printed report the same tests appear under a BMP or an electrolyte panel (CPT 80051).
Related abbreviations
More laboratory test abbreviations
- K – Potassium
- LDH – Lactate dehydrogenase
- LDL – Low-density lipoprotein (cholesterol)
- LE – Leukocyte esterase
- LFT – Liver function tests
- LIS – Laboratory information system
- MCH – Mean corpuscular hemoglobin
- MCHC – Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
- MCV – Mean corpuscular volume
- Mg – Magnesium
- MPV – Mean platelet volume
- Na – Sodium
See all 135 laboratory test abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.