Potassium
Abbreviation
K
Transport Temp
2-8 C (ice packs)
Stability
store at 2-8 C up to 7 days, -20C up to 1 year
Minimum Vol
0.5 mL
Alternative Specimens
Plasma (lithium heparin, sodium heparin)
Reference Ranges
3.5-5.1 mmol/L
Collection Instructions
Routine venipuncture
Transport Container
Draw tube or plastic pour off tube
Methodology
Ion-selective electrode diluted (Indirect)
Clinical Significance
Decreased levels-diet, loss of body fluids rich in potassium,redistribution of extracellular potassium. Increased levels-inappropriate intravenous therapy, dehydration, shock, diabetic ketoacidosis, severe burns
Anything else included in test?
N/A
Preferred Specimen
Serum