About the test
Potassium is the main cation of the intracellular fluid. It has an indispensable role in the maintenance of acid-base equilibrium, in the regulation of cellular osmotic pressure and in the conduction of electrical signals in muscle cells.
Sample
Venous blood
Preparation
None required
Procedure
Venipuncture
Increased values
- Acute renal failure
- Diabetes mellitus
- Addison’s disease
- Hyperaldosteronism
- Nephritis
- Tissue necrosis
- Drugs (cyclosporine, digoxin, ephedrine, estrogens, ibuprophen, lithium)
Decreased values
- Cushing’s syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Dehydration
- Diabetes insipidus
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Metabolic alkalosis
- Paralytic ileus
- Serious burns
- Starvation
- Pyloric obstruction
- Drugs (aspirin, bronchodilators, carbenicillin, corticosteroids, digoxin, insulin)
Additional information
- Prolonged tourniquet use during blood drawing as well as serum hemolysis may alter test results.
- Dietary sources of potassium include bananas, apricots, potatoes, tomatoes and prunes.