Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

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Potassium, Direct

Laboratory:

Biochemistry

Test Code:

Specimen types:

Blood

Container types:

Serum tube with gel

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab
Sample haemolysis may make this test unreportable

Minimum Adult Volume:

1 mL

Paediatric Minimum Volume:

0.5 mL

Notes:

In very lipaemic samples, falsely low values are obtained with some routine methods for potassium measurement.

Direct analysis with ion-selective electrodes is used when siginificant lipaemia is noted, or when particular urgency dictates analysis of whole blood.

All blood gas analysers use 'direct' methods of measurement.

Results for 'direct' potassium are always comparable to standard 'indirect' methods

Frequency:

Daily

Result Turnaround Time:

1 hours