Lab Information Manual

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Name:

POTASSIUM (iSTAT) - (B)

Test Code: KWB

Clinical Information:

Only available in rural Manitoba. For WRHA and Westman Lab see Potassium - (P)

State whether the sample is venous or arterial.

Fist clenching should be avoided during phlebotomy as this can falsely increase potassium levels in collected blood. For more information see:

Pseudohyperkalemia

Collection Devices:

Preferred Device:

1 - Li Heparin, NO GEL 4.0 mL Tube(s) - Full Tube Collection

Li Heparin, NO GEL 4.0 mL Tube(s) - Full Tube Collection
Manufacturer: BD (Becton Dickinson)

Catalogue #: 367884

Specimen Required:

Skin puncture: lancet and capillary collection tube (plain, lithium heparin, or balanced heparin for electrolytes and blood gases)
Venipuncture: lithium or sodium heparin collection tubes and disposable transfer device
(e.g. 1cc syringe and a 16 to 20 gauge needle)
Arterial puncture: Plain syringe or blood gas syringe with heparin and labeled for the assays performed

Referral:

Only available at sites which perform iStat testing onsite.

Requisition:

I-Stat Downtime Report (F100-10-02A)

Reference Values:

Venous & Capillary: 3.5 – 4.9 mmol/L

Arterial: 3.5 – 4.9 mmol/L

Note: Reference ranges are specific to the Abbott iStat (POC instrument)

Availability:

Turn around time (TAT): < 60 minutes