POTASSIUM

Test name                          :               Potassium

Test units                           :               mmol/L

Normal range                     :               3.5 -5.1 mmol/L

Sample required                 :               2ml serum

The serum has to be separated immediately or within one hour of blood collection.The serum vials should be refrigerated if the despatch is going to take more than an hour.

Transportation : In cool packs preferably at 4 degree Celsius.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Potassium is the major cation in the intracellular fluid and functions as the primary buffer within the cell itself. Ninety percent of potassium is concentrated within the cell, and damaged cells release potassium into the blood. Potassium plays an important role in nerve conduction, muscle function, and helps maintain acid-base balance and osmotic pressure.

CLINICAL APPLICATION :

•       Monitor electrolyte imbalance in the diagnosis and treatment of infusion therapies

     ·         Shock
     ·         Heart or circulatory insufficiency
     ·         Acid base imbalance
     ·         Therapy with diuretics
     ·         All kinds of kidney problem
     ·         Diarrhea
     ·         Hyper and hypofunction of adrenal cortex

Elevated in (hyperkalemia)

1. Oiguria

2. Anemia

3. Urinary obstruction

4. Renal failure due to nephritis or shock

5. Metabolic or respiratory acidosis

6. Renal tubular acidosis with the K/H exchange

7. Hemolysis of blood

Decreased in (Hypokalemia)

• Excessive loss of potassium through diarrhea or vomiting
• Inadequate intake of potassium
• Malabsorption
• Severe burns
• Increased secretion of aldosterone