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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z # |
Potassium
Test CodeK
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
Heparinized plasma
Instructions
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting
Transport Container
Serum separator tube (SST)
Transport Temperature
Ambient
Specimen Stability
Ambient: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Gross hemolysis
Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
Setup Schedule
24/7
Report Available
Same day
Reference Range
Newborn: 3.7-5.9 mmol/L
Infant: 4.1-5.3 mmol/L
Child/Adult: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Infant: 4.1-5.3 mmol/L
Child/Adult: 3.5-5.0 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
Potassium measurements are useful in monitoring electrolyte balance in the diagnosis and treatment of disease conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels. Potassium is elevated in adrenal cortical insufficiency, acute renal failure and in some cases of diabetic acidosis. Potassium is decreased in diuretic administration and renal tubular acidosis.
