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Test Code K Potassium, Plasma or Serum

Additional Codes

EPIC:  LAB114

Methodology

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)
Used in the diagnosis and treatment of hypokalemia, hyperkalemia, renal failure, Addison’s disease, or other diseases involving electrolyte imbalance.

Performing Laboratory

St. Joseph Hospital

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Preferred:

Plasma

Draw blood in a light green-top (lithium heparin gel) tube(s). (Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.) Spin down, separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw, and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated.

Note:  1. Indicate plasma on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

 

Alternate:

Serum

Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s). (Hemolyzed specimen is not acceptable.) Spin down, separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw, and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.

Note:  1. Indicate serum on request form.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Reference Values

3.5-5.1 mmol/L
Critical values:  <3.0 mmol/L or >6.0 mmol/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Available STAT

Test Classification and CPT Coding

84132