Potassium
- C1146
Rs 185
- Why Get Tested?
Potassium, blood or urine - When To Get Tested?
To determine whether your potassium level is within normal limits; to help evaluate electrolyte balance; to help determine the cause of and monitor treatment for illnesses associated with abnormal potassium levels in the body - Sample Type:SERUM (SST or Plain)
- Fasting :NO
- Report Delivery:Same day (if Collected before 12 Noon)
- Components:1 Observations
Tests Detail
| Observations Included |
| Potassium * |
| The Test marked with (*) are in our NABL Scope. |
Sample Report
- Also Known As:
Potassium - Formal Name:
K - Sample Instructions:
When you have symptoms such as muscle weakness and/or irregular heart beat (cardiac arrhythmia) or when an electrolyte imbalance is suspected; at regular intervals when you are taking a medication and/or have a disease or condition, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or kidney disease, that can affect your potassium level; as part of a routine medical exam - Test Preparation Needed?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm; sometimes a random or 24-hour urine sample - What Is Being Tested?
None - How Is It Used?
Potassium is an electrolyte that is vital to cell metabolism. It helps transport nutrients into cells and removes waste products out of cells. It is also important in muscle function, helping to transmit messages between nerves and muscles. This test measures the amount of potassium in the blood and/or urine. Potassium, along with other electrolytes such as sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate (total CO2), helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body and maintains a stable acid-base balance. Potassium is present in all body fluids, but most potassium is found within the cells. Only a small amount is present in fluids outside the cells and in the liquid part of the blood (called serum or plasma). We get most of the potassium we need from the foods that we eat and most people have an adequate intake of potassium. The body uses what it requires and the kidneys eliminate the rest in the urine. The body tries to keep the blood potassium level within a very narrow range. Levels are mainly controlled by aldosterone, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands in the kidneys. Because the blood concentration of potassium is so small, minor changes can have significant consequences. If potassium levels are too low or too high, there can be serious health consequences; a person may be at risk for developing shock, respiratory failure, or heart rhythm disturbances. An abnormal potassium level can alter the function of the nerves and muscles; for example, the heart muscle may lose its ability to contract. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm. Potassium can also be measured in a random or 24-hour urine sample. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? No test preparation is needed. - When Is It Ordered
Potassium levels may be ordered when people undergo a routine medical exam or when they are being evaluated for a serious illness. Testing may be done when a person has: Kidney disease Symptoms such as muscle weakness or irregular heart beat (cardiac arrhythmia) A condition treated with diuretics or heart medications Has high blood pressure (hypertension) or is being treated for high blood pressure Potassium testing may be ordered at regular intervals when a healthcare practitioner is diagnosing and evaluating hypertension, diabetic ketoacidosis, and kidney disease and when monitoring a patient receiving dialysis, diuretic therapy, or intravenous fluids. Urine potassium testing may be done when blood potassium levels are abnormal. - What Does The Test Result Mean?
High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) may be seen in conditions such as: Kidney disease Addison disease Injury to tissue Infection Diabetes Dehydration Consuming too much potassium (for example, fruits are particularly high in potassium, so excessive intake of fruits or juices may contribute to high potassium) In patients on intravenous (IV) fluids, excessive IV potassium Certain drugs can also cause high potassium in a small percent of people; among them are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ACE inhibitors, beta blockers (such as propanolol and atenolol), angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (such as captopril, enalapril, and lisinopril), and potassium-sparing diuretics (such as triamterene, amiloride, and spironolactone). Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) may be seen in conditions such as: Diarrhea and vomiting Conn syndrome (hyperaldosteronism) A complication of acetaminophen overdose In diabetes, the potassium level may fall after someone takes insulin, particularly if the person has not managed his or her diabetes well. Low potassium is commonly due to "water pills" (potassium-wasting diuretics); if someone is taking these, their healthcare provider will check their potassium level regularly. Additionally, certain drugs such as corticosteroids, beta-adrenergic agonists such as isoproterenol, alpha-adrenergic antagonists such as clonidine, antibiotics such as gentamicin and carbenicillin, and the antifungal agent amphotericin B can cause loss of potassium. Potassium urine concentrations must be evaluated in association with blood levels. The body normally eliminates excess potassium, so the concentration in the urine may be elevated because it is elevated in the blood. It may also be elevated in the urine when the body is losing too much potassium; in this case, the blood level would be normal to low. If blood potassium levels are low due to insufficient intake, then urine concentr - Is There Anything Else I Should Known?
Potassium levels may be ordered when people undergo a routine medical exam or when they are being evaluated for a serious illness. Testing may be done when a person has: Kidney disease Symptoms such as muscle weakness or irregular heart beat (cardiac arrhythmia) A condition treated with diuretics or heart medications Has high blood pressure (hypertension) or is being treated for high blood pressure Potassium testing may be ordered at regular intervals when a healthcare practitioner is diagnosing and evaluating hypertension, diabetic ketoacidosis, and kidney disease and when monitoring a patient receiving dialysis, diuretic therapy, or intravenous fluids. Urine potassium testing may be done when blood potassium levels are abnormal.
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