POTASSIUM LEVEL

Test Code
LAB114


Quest Code
733


CPT Codes
84132

Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Instructions
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting.

Note: For plasma potassium, please see test code 11014.


Transport Container
Serum separator tube (SST)


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis • Plasma


Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)

Setup Schedule
Daily


Report Available
1 day


Reference Range
≤1 Week3.2-5.5 mmol/L
8-27 Days3.4-6.0 mmol/L
1-5 Months3.5-5.6 mmol/L
6 Months-1 Year3.5-6.1 mmol/L
2-19 Years3.8-5.1 mmol/L
≥20 years3.5-5.3 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
Quest Diagnostics-Lenexa
10101 Renner Blvd
Lenexa, KS 66219-9752



Last Updated: August 13, 2021


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.