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Test Code K Potassium Level

Patient Preparation

No special patient preparation required

Special Collection Instructions

Patients with CLL, collect serum instead of lithium heparin.

Collection Method

Venous collection

Minimum Volume

  • Adults: 0.8 mL
  • Pediatric: 0.5mL

Container

Lt Green / Plasma Separator / Lithium Heparin

Preferred Specimen

Light Green Top (lithium heparin) plasma

Acceptable Specimens

Serum:

  • Gold Top SST
  • Red Top

Plasma:

  • Light Geen Top (lithium heparin)

 

Reference or Target Ranges

3.5 – 5.1
Note: Serum values can be slightly higher than plasma values

Reportable Units

mmol/L

Critical Value

0-30 days <3 mmol/L or >6.5 mmol/L
31 days to Adult <2.5 mmol/L or >6.5 mmol/L

Reasons for Rejection

 

Hemolysis Threshold 90 mg/dL
Icterus Threshold 60 mg/dL
Lipemia Threshold 2000 mg/dL
Other QNS, contaminated, improperly Labeled, improper specimen type

Specimen Stability

 

Ambient 14 days
Refrigerated (4°C to 8°C) 14 days
Frozen(-40°C to 0°C) 2 years

Performance Information

 

Days and Time Performed 24/7
Expected Turn Around Time Stat: 1 hour
Routine: 4 hours
Stat Availability Yes
Performing Bench UH Chemistry, WCH Chemistry
Methodology/Method Description Ion-selective Electrode (ISE)

Additional Information/Important Notes

Hemolysis indices of 10 – 90 will cause slightly elevated potassium levels whereas those above 90 may result in moderate to marked potassium elevations. Results with hemolysis indices above 90 mg/dL will not be reported, and the provider will be notified of the test cancellation. Results with indices between 10 – 90 mg/dL will be released without notification.

CPT Codes

84132