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Potassium, Random Urine
Test CodeRUK
Alias/See Also
Urine Potassium, Random, K Urine, Random
Preferred Specimen
Yellow urine tube
Minimum Volume
10 mL
Setup Schedule
Less than 4 hrs
Clinical Significance
Physiological significance: Electrolytes are involved in most major metabolic functions in the body. Sodium, potassium and chloride are amongst the most important physiological ions and the most often assayed electrolytes. They are supplied primarily through the diet, absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and excreted via the kidneys.
Potassium is the major intracellular cation and is critical to neural and muscle cell activity. Some causes of decreased potassium levels include reduced intake of dietary potassium or excessive loss of potassium from the body due to diarrhea, prolonged vomiting or increased renal excretion. Increased potassium levels may be caused by dehydration or shock, severe burns, diabetic ketoacidosis, and retention of potassium by the kidney.
Potassium is the major intracellular cation and is critical to neural and muscle cell activity. Some causes of decreased potassium levels include reduced intake of dietary potassium or excessive loss of potassium from the body due to diarrhea, prolonged vomiting or increased renal excretion. Increased potassium levels may be caused by dehydration or shock, severe burns, diabetic ketoacidosis, and retention of potassium by the kidney.
Additional Information
Chemisty reference ranges
