Potassium (k+) (serum) Test Hypokalemia test
Potassium (k+) (serum) Test Hypokalemia test
clinical definition of potassium (k+) (serum)
Potassium is essential mineral in our blood that helps regulate the heartbeat, potassium also assists in muscle building and transmitting electrical signals between cells and nerves.
It is an electrolyte that works with other electrolytes to help maintain and regulate the quantities of fluid (water and electrolyte) balance in the body, trigger muscle contraction, and maintain a stable acid-base balance in blood and tissue cells. Potassium deficiency could be caused by excessive diarrhoea and vomiting.
when do you expect results?
24 to 36 Hours
why get tested?
The test determines levels of potassium in the blood. It is carried out to detect whether potassium concentration is within normal limits or not.
A potassium test could be ordered in certain cases like:-
Routine medical screening as part of an electrolyte or metabolic panel To assess an electrolyte imbalance To check chronic or acute hyperkalemia or hypokalemia
At regular intervals to monitor the effectiveness of treatment, for too low or too high potassium levels
To diagnose or monitor kidney disease
To check for signs of high blood pressure or heart problems
For a suspected case of metabolic acidosis (caused by uncontrolled diabetes) or alkalosis (caused by excess vomiting)
Occasionally, the potassium test may be done in persons who are having an attack of paralysis
reason to take potassium (k+) (serum) test
Symptoms are fairly nonspecific and generally include:-
Dry skin
Weakness
Fatigue
Malaise
Slow reflexes
Palpitations
Muscle weakness
Myalgia
Muscle cramps
Constipation Further complications may show more complex symptoms such as:-
Elevation of blood pressure
Cardiac arrhythmia
Mild hyperventilation
Metabolic acidosis
Electrolyte imbalance
preparations needed for potassium (k+) (serum) test
Preparatory instructions before the test *:
No Fasting Required.
No other special preparations required.
sample required?
Specimen type: Serum (Blood Sample)
Specimen collection procedure:Venipuncture (Collection of blood from a vein, usually from the arm)
Understanding results ofPotassium (K+) (Serum)
Reference Range Interpretation
3.5 to 5.1 mmol/L Male
3.5 to 5.1 mmol/L feMale
‘*A Reference range is a set of values which helps the healthcare professional to interpret a medical test. It may vary with age, gender, and other factors. Reference ranges may also vary between labs, in value & units depending on instruments used and method of establishment of reference ranges'
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