Potassium

Test Code

POTASSIUM

Alias/See Also

K
Chemistry

Preferred Specimen

Light Green Top Tube -Plasma

Minimum Volume

2 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Gold Top Tube

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 1 week
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 1 week
Frozen (-20°C or colder): 1 year

Methodology
Indirect ISE

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

TAT 1 day

Reference Range

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.

Performing Laboratory
Test performed in BACL Chemistry Labs
Contact: Jonathan Dryjowicz-Burek, West Roxbury 857-203-5973
Alternate contact Joseph A. Manzone JP 857-364-5092
Alternate contact Diane Robert BR 774-826-2294
Alternate contact Bhumikaben Patel Bedford 781-687-2976

Last Updated: May 17, 2022

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.