Potassium
Test Summary
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.
Aliases
- K (Potassium)
- K (serum or plasma)
- K+ (serum or plasma)
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature = 14 days
- Refrigerated = 14 days
- Frozen = N/A
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma from Lithium Heparin (Light Green Top) tube
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Order Code
K
EPIC (Premier) Code
LAB331
Includes
N/A
CPT Code
- 84132
Billing Code
- 300351
CPT Statement
Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
FDA Status
FDA Approved
Physician Attestation of Informed Consent
N/A
Testing Laboratory
CompuNet Clinical Laboratories, LLC
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
2308 Sandridge Drive
Moraine OH, 45439
Department
Chemistry
Reference Range
See Report
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily
Specimen Collection
Special Instructions
N/A
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
1 mL
Instructions
Barrier tubes (serum separator tubes) are preferred. If non-barrier tubes are utilized, the serum must be removed immediately after centrifuging and placed in a screw-cap transfer tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Collection notes: Avoid hemolysis. Invert tubes at least 8 times. Allow to clot in an upright position for 30 minutes. Within 2 hours, centrifuge tubes 10 minutes. Keep tightly stoppered.
Do NOT re-centrifuge tubes. Do NOT freeze the primary collection tube.
Patient Preparation
N/A
Storage
Original tube preferred, may be sent in a screw-top transfer tube.
Transport Temperature
Room Temperature or Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
- Room Temperature = 14 days
- Refrigerated = 14 days
- Frozen = N/A
Limitations
N/A
Other Acceptable Specimens
Plasma from Lithium Heparin (Light Green Top) tube
Unacceptable Specimens
Hemolysis, Lipemia, incorrect specimen type, insufficient sample volume, improper storage conditions, exceeds specimen stability guidelines, contaminated sample.
Result Information
Methodology
Ion Selective Electrode (ISE)
Testing Laboratory
N/A
Reference Range
See Report
Setup Schedule / Expected Turnaround Time
24/7; Report available: Daily