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Potassium
Test Code733
CPT Codes
84132
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Please note: For Plasma Potassium, please see test code 11014.
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting.
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting.
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolysis • Plasma
Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
Setup Schedule
Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day
Reference Range
| ≤1 Week | 3.2-5.5 mmol/L |
| 8-27 Days | 3.4-6.0 mmol/L |
| 1-5 Months | 3.5-5.6 mmol/L |
| 6 Months-1 Year | 3.5-6.1 mmol/L |
| 2-19 Years | 3.8-5.1 mmol/L |
| ≥20 years | 3.5-5.3 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 Nichols Institute |
| 14225 Newbrook Drive |
| Chantilly, VA 20153 |
