Potassium
Testing Information
Sample Type
Serum
Test Codes
630260
CPT Code
84132
Testing Area
Core Lab - Chemistry
Test Methodology
Abbott Alinity - Potentiometry
Reference Range
0-1 day: 5.0-7.5 mmol/L2 days -3 months: 4.0-6.0 mmol/L>4 months: 3.5-5.2 mmol/LCritical Value:0-1 day: >7.5 mmol/L2 days-3 months: <2.7, >6.2 mmol/L>4 months: <2.7, >6.1 mmol/L
Expected Turnaround Time
Results Available 24 hours from Receipt
Specimen Collection Criteria
Collect one gold top SST tube (minimum whole blood: 1 mL). Let specimen clot for 30-60 minutes and then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate after centrifugation.
Rejection Criteria
Grossly hemolyzed specimens, quantity not sufficient, improperly labeled
Specimen Validity and Retention
Centrifuged SST Tubes:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 2-4 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): UnacceptableSerum Aliquots:Room Temperature (20-25°C): 2-4 hoursRefrigerated (2-8°C): 7 daysFrozen (-20°C or greater): 7 daysSpecimens retained for 7 days after testing
Courier Transportation
Transport centrifuged tube refrigerated (2-8°C)
Clinical Utility
Potassium is used to monitor electrolyte imbalance within the body"s acid-base system.
