| 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, Plasma
MessageTest performed at York Hospital Laboratory.
Test Code
POT
CPT Codes
84132
Preferred Specimen
0.2 mL plasma collected in a lithium heparin (green-top) gel separator tube
Upcoming Change 03/01/2024
Small Gold top tube
Upcoming Change 03/01/2024
Small Gold top tube
Other Acceptable Specimens
0.2 mL serum collected in a serum separator tube (SST)
0.2 mL serum collected in a no additive (red-top) tube, transferred to a plastic screw-cap vial
0.2 mL serum collected in a no additive (red-top) tube, transferred to a plastic screw-cap vial
Instructions
Remove the plasma from the cellular material within 90 minutes of collection.
The patient should avoid any exercise of the arm or hand before or during collection because opening and closing the fist increases potassium concentration by 10% to 20%.
The patient should avoid any exercise of the arm or hand before or during collection because opening and closing the fist increases potassium concentration by 10% to 20%.
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 6 weeks
Refrigerated: 6 weeks
Frozen: 1 year
Refrigerated: 6 weeks
Frozen: 1 year
Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Hemolyzed specimens
Methodology
Potentiometric
Setup Schedule
Daily
Report Available
Next Day
Available STAT 1/2 Hour
Available STAT 1/2 Hour
Reference Range
| Age | Potassium (mmol/L) |
|---|---|
| <=15 years | 3.7 - 5.0 |
| 16-19 years | 3.6 - 4.8 |
| Adult | 3.6 - 5.0 |
Critical Values
| Age | Potassium (mmol/L) |
|---|---|
| 1-18 years | < 3.1 or > 5.9 |
| Adult | < 2.8 or > 5.9 |
Clinical Significance
Measurement of potassium is used for evaluation of electrolyte imbalance, cardiac arrhythmias, muscular weakness, hepatic encephalopathy, and renal failure and for the monitoring of ketoacidosis in diabetes mellitus and intravenous fluid replacement therapy. A low potassium is common in vomiting, diarrhea, alcoholism, and folic acid deficiency. High potassium values occur in rapid potassium infusion, end stage renal failure, hemolysis, trauma, Addison's disease, metabolic acidosis, acute starvation, dehydration, and acute medical emergency.
