Potassium

K+

24 hours

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)

Accredited NRL Laboratory

Daily

Potassium analysis is usually performed to assess cardiac or renal (kidney) function, electrolyte balance, muscle weakness and hepatic encephalopathy, as well as the investigation of certain endocrine disorders. Potassium monitoring is essential for patients taking diuretics, ACE inhibitors or ARBs (Angiotensin Receptor Blockers) that alter potassium metabolism.

Potassium measured in isolation is of limited clinical value, and clients are encouraged to check potassium in a renal (Order Code 19040), basic (BMP; Order Code 11013) or comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP; Order Code 11023).

Serum or Plasma

0.5 mL

Serum (SST; Gold Top or Plain; Red Top), Plasma (Li-hep; Green Top)

No special preparation is required for this test. You may eat, drink, and take your medications as normal, unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.

This test does not require any special collection or pre-analytical handling. Follow routine specimen collection protocols.