Potassium, Serum
Test Code
733
84132
Clinical Significance
Potassium, Serum - 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.
Test Details
Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
Reference Range(s)
| ≤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 |
Preferred Specimen(s)
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Collection Instructions
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting.
Note: For plasma potassium, please see test code 11014.
Transport Container
Serum separator tube (SST)
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
- Room temperature: 7 days
- Refrigerated: 7 days
- Frozen: 28 days
Reject Criteria
Hemolysis • Plasma
Setup Schedule
1 mL serum
0.5 mL
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting.
Note: For plasma potassium, please see test code 11014.
Note: For plasma potassium, please see test code 11014.
Serum separator tube (SST)
Room temperature
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Hemolysis • Plasma