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Potassium
MessageFor Specimen Integrity during Extreme Weather see the “Lockbox Usage in Extreme Weather” document at the top of this page.
Test Code
K
Alias/See Also
733;
K (Potassium);
K (serum or plasma);
K+ (serum or plasma);
K (Potassium);
K (serum or plasma);
K+ (serum or plasma);
CPT Codes
84132
Preferred Specimen
SST/GST Serum Only
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Other Acceptable Specimens
plasma from Lithium Heparin (Light Green Top) tube
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes or plasma separator tubes) are preferred. Red top serum unacceptable for testing.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Transport Container
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature = 14 days
Refrigerated = 14 days
Frozen = n/a
Refrigerated = 14 days
Frozen = n/a
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Methodology
ion selective electrode
Setup Schedule
24/7
AU
AU
Report Available
daily
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
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine, OH 45439
Last Updated: February 5, 2024
