Potassium, RBC

Test Code

KRBC

Alias/See Also

3382

CPT Codes
84132<br><strong>This test is not available for New York patient testing</strong>

Preferred Specimen

4 mL whole blood collected in a sodium heparin or lithium heparin (green-top) tube and
4 mL whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender-top) tube

Minimum Volume

1.5 mL

Instructions

Both samples must only be collected Mon-Thurs and must be received together for testing:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
Clients: Contact the lab prior to ordering for special logistics arrangements.
PSC: Follow Short Stability Protocol.

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: Unacceptable

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

Received frozen • Hemolysis

Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 2-4 days

Reference Range

90-111 mmol/L

Clinical Significance

Potassium is nearly all maintained within cells. RBC Potassium may be useful in assessing potassium redistribution.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92690-6130

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.