Potassium

Label Mnemonic:	KC
Epic code:	LAB666
Downtime form:	Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery

Critical Care - Relocated to Core Laboratory
6240 RCP
356-3527

Specimen(s):

Whole Blood

Collection Medium:

Heparinized syringe or Green top tube (Na Heparin)

Alternate Collection Media:

Light Green top tube (Lithium Heparin)

Minimum:

0.5 mL in green top tube (Na Heparin)

Delivery Instructions:

Deliver to laboratory within 1 hour of collection.

Testing Schedule:

24 hrs/day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Turn Around Time:

10 minutes (upon receipt in laboratory)

Reference Range:

3.5 - 5.0 mEq/L
3.5 - 6.0 mEq/L  (0-10 days)

Critical Care Critical Value:
  Adults > 16 years          <2.8 mEq/L and >6.2 mEq/L
  Peds (0-15 years)          <3.0 mEq/L and >6.5 mEq/L

Special Care Nurseries Critical Value:  <3.0 mEq/L and >6.5 mEq/L

Comments:

Can be ordered with blood gases (0.5 mL blood required); all needles must be removed from the syringe before delivery.

Methodology:

Ion Selective Electrode

CPT Code:

84132

See Additional Information:
Critical Care Critical Lab Values
Special Care Nurseries Critical Lab Values
Chemistry Pediatric Reference Ranges