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Test Code K Potassium, Plasma or Serum

Methodology

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Plasma
Draw blood in a green-top (heparin) tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of heparinized plasma. Avoid hemolysis.

Note:  Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

 

Serum
Draw blood in a plain, red-top tube(s) or a serum gel tube(s). Spin down and send 1 mL (pediatric:  0.2 mL) of serum. Avoid hemolysis.

Note:  Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Specimen Stability Information

 

Specimen Type

Temperature

Time

Plasma,lithium heparin / Serum

RT, spun

 24 hours
 

Refrigerated, spun

 24 hours

 

Reference Values

 

Age

Male and Female (mmol/L)

0 – 6 days

3.2 – 5.5

7 – 30 days

3.4 – 6.0

1 – 5 m

3.5 – 5.6

6 – 11 m

3.5 – 6.1

> 11 m

3.5 – 5.0

Critical values:

 <2.8 mmol/L or >6.0 mmol/L

Reject Due To

 

Hemolysis

Mild:

Reject

Gross:

Reject

Lipemia

Mild:

ok

Gross:

Reject

Icterus

Mild:

ok

Gross:

ok

 

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

CPT Coding

84132

Secondary ID

HHA224

Performing Laboratory

Huntsville Hospital Laboratory/Madison Hospital Laboratory

LOINC Coding

Test name LOINC Code

Potassium, Plasma or Serum

 2823-3