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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, Plasma/Serum
Test CodeK
Alias/See Also
K, DRC Override Drug Level Protocol Potassium
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL plasma (0.5 mL minimum)
Transport Container
PST (light green top). Red top and SST also acceptable
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 1 week, Refrigerated: 1 week, Frozen: 1 year
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Grossly hemolyzed specimens are unacceptable.
Reference Range
| Age | Potassium |
| Adult (>18 years): | 3.5-5.1 mmol/L |
| Pediatric: | |
| 0 – 6 days | 3.5-5.7 |
| 7 – 30 days | 3.4-6.1 |
| 1 – 5 months | 3.5-5.8 |
| 6 – 12 months | 3.5-6.1 |
| 13 – 24 months | 3.3-4.7 |
| > 2 years | 3.5-5.1 |
Clinical Significance
Some causes of increased potassium may include anuria, tissue damage (crush injuries, with damage to large volumes of muscle tissue, and massive hemolysis, are examples), violent muscle contraction (vigorous exercise may cause a temporary elevation in plasma potassium), certain seizures, Addison’s disease (Primary Adrenal Insufficiency), and Diabetes mellitus. Decreased potassium levels may occur in prolonged diarrhea or vomiting, diuretic administration, and mineralocorticoid excess.
