Potassium
Background:
Part of urea and electrolyte profile
Elevated serum potassium concentration is commonly due to pre-analytical factors, including:
- haemolysis
- contamination with EDTA during venesection
- delayed separation of plasma ('old' samples)
- elevated platelet/white cell concentration
Lithium heparin plasma samples should only be used if a previous potassium result is suspected to be falsely raised due the patient having a high concentration of platelets or white cells. Lithium heparin samples can also be sent on renal patients to ensure the integrity of the sample.
If a lithium heparin sample is sent it is essential that a serum sample is also sent for any further biochemistry tests.
Reference ranges:
| Age range | Reference range (mmol/L) | |
|---|---|---|
| All ages/sexes | Serum | 3.5 - 5.3 |
| Plasma | 3.6 - 5.0 | |
Derived from Pathology Harmony 2011
Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results
Other Comments:
For more information, please see the following: Potassium - Lab Tests Online
See also: Sodium, Chloride, Urea, Creatinine
Department: Biochemistry
Requirement:
- Gel/clotted/lithium heparin (yellow/red/green top)
Add-on requests are accepted
Turnaround Time:
Within 24 hours