Potassium, Blood

Overview
Department	Biochemistry
Test Code	PPOT
Synonyms	Blood Gas Potassium BGK Urgent Potassium STAT Potassium
Turnaround Time	30 mins - 1 hr
Stability – Add test	3 hrs
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type	Whole blood
Specimen Transportation	Must arrive in lab within 15 min of collection
Preferred	1 mL in heparinised syringe
Acceptable
Pediatric Requirements	0.1 mL in blood gas capillary.
Aliquot Requirements
Sample Type
Minimum Volume
Aliquot Transportation
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