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Test & Collection Guide

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Potassium - Blood

Alternate names:
K, K+
Laboratory:
Biochemistry
Test Code:
K
Specimen types:
Serum
Container types:
Serum tube with gelSerum tube with gel
Collection Instructions:
Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab
Sample haemolysis may make this test unreportable

Please note:

False positive Potassium results can be caused by patients with thrombocytosis usually indicated by high platelet counts.

If pseudohyperkalaemia is suspected - please recollect EUC in a lithium heparin tube.

Minimum Adult Volume:
1 mL
Paediatric Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL
Notes:

Potassium levels are significantly raised by haemolysis and by long delays before specimen separation (increased by refrigeration).

 

Frequency:
Daily
Result Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Reference Interval:

Adult - 3.5-5.0 mmol/L

(Neonatal Reference ranges are available from the laboratory)

Pathology Handbook

Test & Collection Guide

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