Test Code 1022
Test Details
Potassium
Potassium is an electrolyte vital to cell metabolism.
Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 14 days
Lab Values
Potassium
- Low: <3.5 mmol/L
- Normal: 3.5-5.3 mmol/L
- High: >5.3 mmol/L
- Alert: ≤2.5 or ≥6.0 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
Potassium
- May be used to diagnose and evaluate hypertension, diabetic ketoacidosis, kidney disease, and to monitor patient receiving dialysis, diuretics, or IV therapy.
- Elevated levels could indicate excessive potassium intake, kidney disease, diabetes, and dehydration.
- Low levels of potassium could indicate dehydration or acetaminophen overdose.
Treatment Options
Potassium
Assess etiology of elevation such as dehydration, vomiting, medications and kidney problems that may be result of abnormal electrolyte imbalance.
