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Test Code KS Potassium, Serum

Reporting Name

Potassium, S

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Useful For

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

Method Name

Potentiometric, Indirect Ion-Selective Electrode


Necessary Information


Patient's age and sex are required.



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube: 

Preferred: Serum gel 

Acceptable: Red top 

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial 

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL 

Collection Instructions:

1. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. 

2. Red-top tubes should be centrifuged, and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection. 


Specimen Type

Serum

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.25 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time Special Container
Serum Refrigerated 48 hours

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis Reject
Gross lipemia OK

Reference Values

<1 year: not established

≥1 year: 3.6-5.2 mmol/L

Interpretation

Potassium levels below 3.0 mmol/L are associated with marked neuromuscular symptoms and are evidence of a critical degree of intracellular depletion. Potassium levels below 2.5 mmol/L are potentially life-threatening.

 

High potassium can be an acute medical emergency, particularly if the potassium increases over a short period of time. At values above 6.0 mmol/L, symptoms are typically apparent. Potassium levels above 6.0 mmol/L are potentially lifethreatening. Levels above 10.0 mmol/L are, in most cases, fatal.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Sunday

Report Available

Same day/1 to 2 days

Test Classification

This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.

CPT Code Information

84132

LOINC Code Information

Test ID Test Order Name Order LOINC Value
KS Potassium, S 2823-3

 

Result ID Test Result Name Result LOINC Value
KS Potassium, S 2823-3

Forms

If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.