Potassium, Plasma

Revision as of 12:33, 12 September 2025 by Chris Greenwood (Cge) (talk | contribs) (Bulk update DocMeta owner to Crossley1)

Tests:Potassium, Plasma

Overview

Department Biochemistry  
Test Code PPOT
Constituent Tests Anion Gap

Electrolytes

Synonyms Electrolytes (includes Na)  

Na & K  

Availability Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Turnaround Time 1 – 4hrs  
Stability – Add test 3 hrs

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Plasma

Serum

Preferred 6 mL Plain Red-Top
Acceptable 4 mL Li-Heparin Green-Top    
Unacceptable Moderately and grossly haemolysed samples
Specimen Transportation
Paediatric Requirements   600 µL Li-Hep Microtainer   

Aliquot Requirements

Sample
Preferred Volume
Minimum Volume
Aliquot Transportation

Clinical Information

Reference Intervals All ages: 3.5 - 5.2 mmol/L  
Test Method Ion selective electrode (Indirect method) performed on the Abbott ci8200 analyser
Advanced Notice
Patient Preparation

Comments

Venostasis may cause up to 30% increase in 5 minutes.   

Haemolysis, prolonged standing of specimen and/or squeezing of heel or finger (adding tissue fluid to the sample) during paediatric collects with give elevated results.  

Owner Clair Crossley (Crossley1)
Last reviewed 12.09.2025
Next review 12.09.2026 (Overdue)