Laboratory: Clinical Biochemistry
Test Name:
POTASSIUM - (P)
Test Code: K
Clinical Information:
Potassium is the primary intracellular cation and is critical to nerve and muscle cell activity. Measurement of potassium is important for the assessment of electrolyte balance, muscle weakness, cardiac arrhythmia and renal failure.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:


Plasma: 2.0 mL
Pediatric Plasma: 0.2 mL

Stability 7 days at room temperature or refrigerated, 6 months frozen.
Referral:
Serum: 2.0 mL

Samples must be transferred to an aliquot tube, tightly capped and stored frozen if analysis will not be complete within 48 hours (#110-10-05 Serum / Plasma Separation Procedure and Transport)
Requisition:
Reference Values:
< 1 year: 3.7 - 5.9 mmol/L
≥ 1 year: 3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L
Availability:
Stat or Routine
See Also:
More Information: