| Test Name: |
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Potassium
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| Test Code(s): |
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K
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| CPT Code(s): |
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84132
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| Test Description: |
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Included In: Electrolytes Panel, Basic Metabolic Panel, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
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| Methodology: |
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Ion Selective Electrode
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| Days Performed: |
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Daily, 24 hours.
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| Turnaround Time: |
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Stat: 1 hour.
Routine: 4 hours.
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Specimen Requirements
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| Specimen: |
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Blood
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| Collection Container: |
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Preferred: Green cap with yellow ring (PST)
Also Acceptable:
Green top,
Red cap with yellow ring (SST),
Red top
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| Collection Volume: |
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Preferred: 1 mL
Pediatrics: 0.5 mL
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| Sample Analyzed: |
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Plasma or serum
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| Volume Required: |
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Preferred: 0.5 mL
Pediatrics: 0.2 mL
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| Specimen Processing: |
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Centrifuge. Redraw specimen if hemolysis is present. If a complete barrier has not formed, transfer cell-free plasma/ serum to plastic vial. Refrigerate.
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| Specimen Transport: |
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Transport specimen to the laboratory. Transport with coolant pack if coming from outreach location.
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| Unacceptable Criteria: |
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Hemolyzed specimens or whole blood specimens greater than 2 hours old when received by the laboratory are not acceptable.
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| Stability: |
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Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated: PST - 48 hrs; if off cells or SST - 4 days
Frozen: Not acceptable
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Interpretation
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Reference Interval:
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| Age |
mmol/L |
| 0-17 years |
3.5-5.2 |
| 18 years and up |
3.5-4.8 |
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| Critical Calls: |
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View
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