Potassium (K)

About Test

The Potassium (K) test measures the level of potassium, an essential electrolyte, in the blood. Potassium is crucial for maintaining proper heart function, muscle contractions, and nerve signalling. It also plays a key role in regulating fluid balance and the body's acid-base balance.

This test is often part of an electrolyte panel and is used to assess and monitor conditions that affect potassium levels, such as kidney disease, heart failure, and hypertension. Abnormal potassium levels, whether too high (hyperkalaemia) or too low (hypokalaemia), can lead to serious health issues, including abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness, or even paralysis.

Regular monitoring of potassium levels helps healthcare providers manage conditions where electrolyte balance is disrupted, guiding adjustments to medications, diet, or treatment plans to maintain optimal potassium levels and ensure overall health and safety.

Sample Requirements

Gold SST Tube

Stability

Serum: 7 days 2-8°C, 24 hours 15-25°C

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Assay Interferences

Recovery within ± 10 %

Hemolysis

Sodium and chloride: 1000 mg/dL (621 μmol/L) hemoglobin (approximate H index 1000)

Potassium: Do not use hemolyzed samples.

Icterus

Bilirubin (conjugated/unconjugated): 60 mg/dL (1026 μmol/L) bilirubin (approximate I index 60)

Lipemia

Intralipid: 2000 mg/dL Intralipid (corresponding to an approximate L index of 2000)

Medications

Acetaminophen (paracetamol): 200 mg/L

Acetylcysteine: 150 mg/L

Acetylsalicylic acid: 1000 mg/L

Ampicillin Na: 1000 mg/L

Ascorbic acid: 300 mg/L

Cefoxitin: 2500 mg/L

Cyclosporin: 5 mg/L

Doxycyclin: 50 mg/L

Heparin: 5000 U

Ibuprofen: 500 mg/L

Intralipid: 10000 mg/L

L Dopa: 20 mg/L

Methyldopa: 20 mg/L

Metronidazol: 200 mg/L

Phenylbutazone: 400 mg/L

Rifampicin: 60 mg/L

Theophylline: 100 mg/L

Reference Range (mmol/L):

Newborn: 3.7 -5.9

Infant: 4.1 – 5.3

Children 1 - 16 years: 3.5 - 5.0

Adult: 3.5 - 5.3

Critical Value:

Below 3 or above 6.5 mmol/L