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Test Code 153 Potassium (K+)

Additional Codes

ALAB: K

PowerChart: Potassium Level

MA Cerner: Potassium Level

Test Method

MercyOne DBQ: Ion Specific Electrode; Beckman DxC700AU

MercyOne DV: Ion Selective Electrode Poteniometry; iSTAT

MA: Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) Method; Roche Cobas 6000

Specimen Requirement

0.5 mL serum or plasma is required.

Additional Specimen Collection Information

Collect blood in a lithium heparin, green-top or red-top tube. PST and SST (gel tubes) are acceptable. Serum or plasma should be separated from contact with the cells within 2 hours of collection. Specimens not centrifuged within 4 hours of collection may be rejected. Refrigerate the specimen if unable to assay within 8 hours of collection. Hemolyzed specimens are not acceptable. Samples with ≥3+ lipemia must be cleared prior to analysis.

Performance

Testing is performed Monday through Sunday.

Routine orders: Typically completed within 4 hours after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Expedite: Typically completed within 1 hour after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

STAT: Typically completed within 30 minutes after the specimen arrives at the testing site.

Reference Values

Potassium: 3.5-5.0 meq/L

  • Critical Values:
    • Low: <3.0 meq/L
    • High: >6.0 meq/L

CPT Code Information

84132 Chemistry: Potassium, serum, plasma or whole blood

Useful For

Evaluation of electrolyte balance, cardiac arrhythmia, muscular weakness, hepatic encephalopathy, and renal failure

Potassium should be monitored during treatment of many conditions but especially in diabetic ketoacidosis and any intravenous therapy for fluid replacement.

LOINC Code Information

2823-3 Potassium [Moles/Volume] In Serum Or Plasma

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