Potassium
Use
Evaluate electrolyte balance; followed patients on diuretic therapy and with renal diseases, particularly salt-losing nephropathy; evaluate patients being treated for acidosis; prevent cardiac arrhythmias; evaluate alcoholism with delirium tremens; evaluate and treat ketoacidosis in diabetes mellitus; evaluate acid-base balance, water balance; manage intravenous therapy; evaluate anion gap; evaluate muscular weakness, leukemia, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract including laxative abuse, large villous adenomas, emesis, fistulas and tube drainage; detect, diagnose, and manage mineral corticoid excess (primary aldosteronism, Cushing syndrome, tumor with ectopic ACTH production, some cases of congenital adrenal hyperplasia); licorice ingestion. Potassium is increased in oliguria, anuria, urinary obstruction, renal failure due to shock (decreased removal of potassium), and renal tubular acidosis. Potassium is decreased in three ways:
Special Instructions
Ensure proper specimen collection, processing, and handling techniques to prevent pseudo hyperkalemia. Use proper draw techniques to avoid hemolysis and ensure accuracy. Collection above infusion sites or contamination by potassium-containing antiseptics may lead to inaccurate results. Serum or plasma must be separated from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Limitations
Pseudo hyperkalemia can occur due to various pre-analytical factors such as fist clenching, prolonged tourniquet application, traumatic collection, or contamination at the blood draw. Processing issues like prolonged exposure to cells or inappropriate centrifugation can also lead to falsely elevated potassium levels. Certain physiological factors like thrombocytosis or leukocytosis may also influence results. Proper collection and handling are crucial to avoid these issues.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Ion-selective electrode (ISE))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2823-3
- 2823-3
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.7 mL
Container
Red-top tube, gel-barrier tube
Collection Instructions
Separate serum or plasma from cells within 45 minutes of collection; avoid hemolysis.
Storage Instructions
Maintain specimen at room temperature or refrigerate.
Causes for Rejection
Hemolysis; improper labeling; unspun or improperly spun specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |