Potassium
K
Description
"Potassium" test measures potassium levels in your blood, a crucial mineral for maintaining heart rhythm, nerve function, and muscle strength. Commonly requested as part of metabolic assessments, it detects electrolyte irregularities associated with kidney problems, dehydration, or medications. Potassium imbalances—low (hypokalemia) or high (hyperkalemia)—may lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, fatigue, or irregular heartbeats. Results help doctors adjust treatment plans and prevent complications that affect cardiac function, neuromuscular health, or overall electrolyte balance.
Test Category
Minerals, Electrolytes
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Serum
Units
Milliequivalents Per Liter | Millimoles Per Liter
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Test Group
Basic Electrolyte Group, Complete Electrolyte Group, Complete Kidney Group, Complete Metabolic Group, Basic Metabolic Group, Broad Metabolic Group, Acid-Base Group, Hydration Level Group, Complete Adrenal Group, Cognitive Health Group
Test Group Description
Acid-Base Group: Tests in this group focus on evaluating the body's acid-base balance, providing essential insights into pH levels and bicarbonate measurements. Basic Electrolyte Group: This group features fundamental tests that assess essential electrolyte levels, providing foundational insights into key ions like sodium, potassium, and chloride. Basic Metabolic Group: This set of tests is fundamental for evaluating liver function and detecting common liver disorders. Broad Metabolic Group: This comprehensive set of tests extends beyond the basics, providing a thorough assessment of metabolic health with additional tests beyond the essentials. Cognitive Health Group: This group of tailored tests is aimed at evaluating cognitive function and assessing markers related to cognitive health, providing valuable insights for cognitive well-being and potential cognitive disorders. Complete Adrenal Group: Essential tests for a comprehensive evaluation of adrenal gland function, aiding in the diagnosis and management of adrenal disorders. Complete Electrolyte Group: Comprehensive tests for a thorough assessment of electrolyte levels, offering detailed insights into electrolyte balance and related health conditions. Complete Kidney Group: Comprehensive tests provide a thorough assessment of kidney function, yielding detailed insights into renal health and associated conditions. Complete Metabolic Group: A comprehensive suite of tests designed to evaluate metabolic function, offering detailed insights into various aspects of metabolism and associated health conditions. Hydration Level Group: By evaluating hydration status and fluid balance, it offers insights into overall hydration levels and related health considerations.
Optimal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 4.00–4.50 mEq/L
SI Unit: 4.00–4.50 mmol/L
Normal Range
For All Individuals:
Conventional Unit: 3.50–5.00 mEq/L
SI Unit: 3.50–5.00 mmol/L
Results That Differ From The Norm (Direct and Indirect Causes)
Increased levels may indicate:
Addison's disease (Adrenal insufficiency)
Blood transfusions
Burns
Dehydration
Hemolysis (Destruction of red blood cells)
High potassium intake
Hypoaldosteronism (Decreased aldosterone production)
Kidney disease
...
Key Reasons For Testing
Electrolyte Balance: Essential for maintaining proper nerve, muscle, and heart function, as well as fluid balance.
Diagnosing Hypokalemia/Hyperkalemia: Identifies abnormal potassium levels critical for diagnosing and managing electrolyte imbalances.
Monitoring Medications: Ensures safe and effective use of medications like diuretics and ACE inhibitors that affect potassium levels.
Assessing Renal Function:...
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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