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Potassium
Test CodeK, EK
Alias/See Also
K, Potassium, EK, Epoc Potassium
CPT Codes
84132
Preferred Specimen
Plasma Light GREEN (PST)
Other Acceptable Specimens
DKGRN (Dark Green Whole Blood)
Serum (Red) or Gold (SST) or Orange (OJ) or Tiger Top Serum
Heparinzed Syringe (Whole Blood) for EPOC or WB testing methods
Serum (Red) or Gold (SST) or Orange (OJ) or Tiger Top Serum
Heparinzed Syringe (Whole Blood) for EPOC or WB testing methods
Instructions
No hemolysis.
Specimen Stability
Serum/plasma: Use fresh sample for analysis when possible. Separate serum or plasma from the red blood cells as soon as possible.
Stable in serum/plasma for at least one week when stored at 2 - 8°C.
Store the samples in a stoppered tube if analysis is delayed.
Stable in serum/plasma for at least one week when stored at 2 - 8°C.
Store the samples in a stoppered tube if analysis is delayed.
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis
Methodology
ISE Module
Setup Schedule
24x7
Reference Range
< 3 Months Age: 3.5-6.5 mmol/L; Critical <2.5 mmol/L, > 6.5 mmol/L
> 3 Months Age: 3.5-5.3 mmol/L; Critical <2.5 mmol/L, > 6.0 mmol/L
> 3 Months Age: 3.5-5.3 mmol/L; Critical <2.5 mmol/L, > 6.0 mmol/L
Clinical Significance
Potassium testing is frequently ordered, along with other electrolytes, as part of a routine physical. It is used to detect concentrations that are too high (hyperkalemia) or too low (hypokalemia). The most common cause of hyperkalemia is kidney disease, but many drugs can decrease potassium excretion from the body and result in this condition. Hypokalemia can occur if someone has diarrhea and vomiting or if is sweating excessively. Potassium can be lost through the kidneys in urine; in rare cases, potassium may be low because someone is not getting enough in their diet.
Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
CCMC Laboratory
CCI Laboratory
FHSH Laboratory
EPOC POCT at CRMC and CCMC
