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Test Code K Potassium, Plasma or Serum

Additional Codes

  • Expanse Test Name:Potassium, S
  • Medinet Ref Code:K
  • OV Code:CHEM*K

Performing Laboratory

St. Lukes Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)

Specimen Requirements

 

 

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:
 
Plasma Draw blood in a green-top (lithium heparin) plasma gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of lithium heparin plasma refrigerated.

  • Stable 7 days at 2 - 8°C.
  •  Stable 30 days at - 20°C.

Note:  1. Plasma should be separated from blood cells as soon as possible. Prolonged contact with the clot may cause increased potassium values.

 

2. Indicate plasma on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).
 
Serum
Draw blood in a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL of serum refrigerated.
Note:  1. Serum should be separated from blood cells as soon as possible. Prolonged contact with the clot may cause increased potassium values.

  • Stable 7 days at 2 - 8°C.
  •  Stable 30 days at - 20°C.

2. Indicate serum on request form.
3. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

 

Hemolyzed Specimens will be rejected.

Reference Values

3.5-5.1 mEq/L

 

Critical values (automatic call-back):  <2.8 mEq/L or >6.2 mEq/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

CPT: 84132

LOINC: 2823-3