Potassium Serum

Category:

Potassium  Serum

Description

Potassium is an electrolyte, a positively charged molecule.   It works with other electrolytes, such as sodium, chloride, and bicarbonate (total CO2) in order to regulate the amount of fluid in the body, stimulate muscle contraction, and maintain a stable acid-base balance.

Only a very small part of the body`s potassium is present in the blood.   Because of this, minor changes can have significant consequences.  Abnormal concentration can alter the function of neuromuscular tissue.

Potassium testing is used to detect concentrations that are too high (hyperkalemia) or too low (hypokalemia).

Typical cause of hyperkalemia is kidney disease.   Also many drugs can decrease potassium excretion from the body and result in this condition.

Hypokalemia can occur with diarrhea and vomiting or with excessively sweating.
Potassium test may be ordered at regular intervals to monitor drugs that can cause  kidneys to lose potassium, particularly diuretics, resulting in hypokalemia. Also if you have a condition or disease, such as acute or chronic kidney failure, that can be associated with abnormal potassium levels.

Its concentration is measured by means of analysis of a blood sample drawn from the vein in the arm.

Purpose of the test

To meassure potassium levels in order to determine whether potassium concentration is within normal limits and to help evaluate an electrolyte imbalance.   Also to monitor chronic or acute hyperkalemia or hypokalemia.
 
This test is prescribed as part of a routine medical exam, with symptoms such as weakness and/or cardiac arrhythmia, or when an electrolyte imbalance is suspected; at regular intervals when you medication is being taken.   Also when there is high blood pressure (hypertension) or kidney disease.

Reference range values

3.3 - 5.1 mmol/L

Abnormal findings

High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) can be due to :
• acute or chronic kidney failure
• Addison's disease
• hypoaldosteronism 
• injury to tissue
• infection
• diabetes
• dehydration
• excessive dietary potassium intake
• excessive intravenous potassium intake
Low potassium levels (hypokalemia) can be due to :
• dehydration
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• Hyperaldosteronism 
• deficient potassium intake
• as a complication of acetaminophen overdose