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Potassium
MessagePerformed in Chemistry
Test Code
K
Alias/See Also
Electrolyte
CPT Codes
84132
Preferred Specimen
Green Top LiHep, Plasma
WyMCC - SST
WyMCC - SST
Other Acceptable Specimens
Gold/SST, Red Top
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Collected in an outdated/expired tube
Hemolyzed, icteric or lipemic
Contaminated
Hemolyzed, icteric or lipemic
Contaminated
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Setup Schedule
Daily, Sunday through Saturday
Report Available
Less than 4 hours
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.
