Potassium
| Order Code: | K |
| Epic Lab Code: | LAB114 |
| Order Form: | A-1a General Lab or Epic Req |
Chemistry
6240 RCP
356-3527
6240 RCP
356-3527
Specimen:
Plasma
Collection Medium:
 |
| Plasma Separator Tube |
Alternate
Collection Media:
Call laboratory for additional acceptable specimen collection containers.
Minimum:
3 mL whole blood in light green top tube or ONE microtainer for
pediatric patients.
Testing Schedule:
24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Analytic Time:
1 hour (upon receipt in laboratory)
Reference Range:
3.5 - 5.0 mEq/l
Pediatric Reference Ranges:
Age Range Units
<10 days 3.5-6.0 mEq/l
>10 days 3.5-5.0 mEq/l
Critical value: Adults >16 years <2.8 mEq/l and >6.2 mEq/l
Pediatric (0-15 years) <3.0 mEq/l and >6.5 mEq/l
Comments:
Avoid hemolysis. False elevations may occur in specimens which are not
processed promptly (to separate serum from RBC's). Plasma samples
drawn in heparin tubes have values slightly lower than serum.
Test
Limitations:
Hemolysis: Potassium is cancelled with a hemolysis index of 100.
Methodology:
Ion Selective Electrode
CPT Code:
84132
See also:
Potassium-Other, Body Fluid (e.g., surgical drain, pericardial, peritoneal, peritoneal dialysis, pleural, or synovial)
Potassium-Other, Body Fluid (e.g., surgical drain, pericardial, peritoneal, peritoneal dialysis, pleural, or synovial)