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

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Assay Interferences

Interferences (Up to 5%)

Calcium: Above 15 mg/dL

Potassium: Above 7 mmol/L

Sodium: Above 180 mmol/L

Iron: Above 800 ug/dL

Zinc: Above 500 ug/dL

Magnesium: Above 4 mg/dL

Copper: Above 600 ug/dL

Bilirubin (conj): Above 15 mg/dL

Lipemia: Above 600 mg/dL

Haemolysis: Above 2 g/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:

Not applicable