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

Test Code
K


CPT Codes
84132

Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum


Transport Container
Gold top tube/Serum Separator tube.


Transport Temperature
Refrigerate.


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


Methodology
Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) Potentiometric

Reference Range
3.5-5.1 mmo/L


Clinical Significance
Potassium is the major  intracellular cation and is critical to neural and muscle activity.  Some causes of decreased potassium levles include reduced intake of dietary potassium or excessive loss of potassium from the body due to diarrhea, prolonged vomiting or increased renal excretion.  Increased potassium levels may be caused by dehydration or shock, severe burns, diabetic ketoacidosis and retention of potassium by the kidney of the intracellulare fluid.




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.