A
5200 Harry Hines Blvd.
,
Dallas
,
TX
75235
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General Information
Alias: K
Performed: 24 hrs.
Turn Around Time: Med Emerg: 60 minutes; Routine: 4 hrs.
CPT Codes: 84132
Performed By: Chemistry
Notes:
Plasma potassium levels (green top) are 0.2 mmol/L (mean) lower than serum levels (red top).
This test is performed by both the Rapid Response and Logistics Chemistry Labs.
Clinical Utility: Potassium is the major intracellular cation and is critical to neural and muscle cell activity. Some causes of decreased potassium levels include reduced intake of dietary potassium or excessive loss of potassium from the body due to diarrhea, prolonged vomiting or increased renal excretion. Increased potassium levels may be caused by dehydration or shock, severe burns, diabetic ketoacidosis, and retention of potassium by the kidneys.
Unacceptable Conditions: Hemolysis
Components
| Name |
Method |
Sex |
Age Range |
Ref. Range Low |
Ref. Range High |
Units |
| Potassium Lvl |
|
|
0 - 2 Years |
3 |
5.5 |
mmol/L |
| Potassium Lvl |
|
|
2 Years - Unspecified |
3.6 |
5 |
mmol/L |
Specimen Requirements
| Type |
Container |
Volume |
Units |
Collection / Delivery |
Storage / Transport |
Off Campus |
| Blood |
Grn LiH w/Gel, 4.5mL-IP,ED,OPC; Red w/Gel, 5mL-COPC,WHC |
|
|
|
Deliver at room temperature to the lab within 2 hours. |
Specimens should be spun and aliquots prepared when needed. Store in appropriate temperature conditions and deliver to Logistics Laboratory. |