Test Code K POTASSIUM
Additional Codes
LAB114
Performing Laboratory
Porter Hospital Laboratory
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type: Blood
Container/Tube: Tiger top, serum gel
Also Acceptable: Green top (Lithium Heparin)
Specimen Volume: Full tube, submit 0.6 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.3 mL
Collection Instructions:
- Send specimen in original tube.
- If there is a delay in transport of >1 hour, centrifuge tube.
- Centrifuged samples that have not leaked aroung gel barrier are stable for 7 days refrigerated (2 – 8ºC)
NOTE: Hemolysis can elevate potassium result. Please submit non-hemolyzed samples.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Refrigerated
Test Classification and CPT Coding
84132
Test Schedule / Analytical Time / Test Priority / Turn Around Time
Daily / 24 Hours / Available STAT / Routine - 4 Hours
STAT - 60 Minutes
Critical Values
<3.0 or ≥6.0 mmol/L
Normal Reference Values
0 up to 6 Months | 3.7-6.0 mmol/L | |
6 Months up to 1 Years | 3.7-6.0 mmol/L | |
1 Years up to 18 Years | 3.5-5.0 mmol/L | |
18 Years up to Unspecified | 3.5-5.0 mmol/L |