POTASSIUM

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.

Minimum Volume
0.5 mL

Collection Instructions
Separate from cells as soon as possible after clotting

Transport Container
Serum Separator Tube (SST®)

Transport Temperature
Room temperature

Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days
Setup Schedule, Preferred Specimen(s), Reject Criteria

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