Potassium, Blood

Overview
Department	Biochemistry
Test Code
Synonyms	Blood Gas Potassium BGK Urgent Potassium STAT Potassium
Turnaround Time	30 mins - 1 hr
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type	1.0 mL whole blood in heparinised syringe
Specimen Transportation	Must arrive in lab within 15 min of collection
Preferred
Acceptable
Pediatric Requirements	0.1 mL in blood gas capillary.
Aliquot Requirements
Sample Type
Minimum Volume
Aliquot Transportation
Stability – Add test
Clinical Information
Reference Intervals	Reference Range 3.5 - 5.0 mmol/L
Test Method	Indirect Ion Specific Electrodes using Radiometer ABL 90 FLEX.
Advanced Notice	Not Required
Patient Preparation	Not Required
Comments