Potassium Serum Test

Serum potassium test

It is a simple biochemical test that assesses the amount of potassium in blood. Potassium is a type of electrolyte which plays a crucial role in various bodily functions such as proper nerve and muscle function, regularity of heart rate, maintain normal blood pressure. It also is responsible for helping the cells in receiving nutrients and eliminates waste products. Abnormal potassium levels can have deleterious effects on the body.

The major source of potassium in the body is through food. The rich sources are green leafy vegetables, certain fruits like grapes and blackberries, vegetables like carrot and potatoes and citrus fruits like oranges.

A high potassium level is also called as hyperkalemia.it can occur in following conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Burns
• Addison’s disease
• Type 1 diabetes
• Side effects of certain medicines like diuretics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, beta-blockers
• Respiratory acidosis
• Metabolic acidosis

A low potassium level is also called as hypokalemia.it can occur in following conditions:

• Alcohol abuse
• Excessive vomiting and loose motions
• Low dietary potassium
• Excessive use of laxatives
• Side effects of corticosteroids, some antifungal and antibiotics
• Cushing syndrome

Why is serum potassium test prescribed?

Your health care provider may ask for this test in following conditions:

• As a part of routine health check up (it forms a component of basic metabolic panel) especially in those with kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes
• In presence of symptoms suggestive of hyperkalemia such as irregular heartbeat, extreme tiredness,weakness,nausea,paralysis of limbs
• In presence of symptoms suggestive of hypokalemia such as irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps,weakness,constipation

Procedure and prerequisites

The sample for serum potassium is taken from blood by inserting a small needle into vein of your arm. A small amount of blood is then collected in test tube or vial. You may feel some pain due to needle prick. No particular preparation is needed for the test. Potassium levels may increase if you clench and relax your fist while collection of blood.

Reference range

Normal range-3.6-5.2 mill moles/litre

nce values may vary from lab to lab