Skip to main content

Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

  or
  or
  or

POTASSIUM

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2885    Geisinger Epic ID:  14403

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Plasma or serum


Preferred collection container: 
Specimen required: 

2 mL of serum or plasma; minimum 0.2 mL.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Allow to serum clot. Centrifuge to separate serum or plasma within 2 hours of collection.


Transport temperature: 

Spun specimen: Refrigerated (preferred). Unspun specimen: Room temperature (only).


Specimen stability: 

Unspun whole blood (room temperature): 2 hrs. Spun SST: Refrigerated or Room temp: 3 days. Spun PST: Refrigerated or Room Temp: 12 hours.


Rejection criteria: 

Grossly hemolyzed specimens. Specimens not centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Refrigerated unspun specimen. Stability limits exceeded.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L.


Critical values/courtesy alerts: 
Below 2.5, above 6.5 mmol/L.
CPT code(s):  84132
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Potassium.


Methodology: 
Potentiometric
Synonyms: 

K


Clinical significance: 

Potassium measurements are useful in monitoring electrolyte balance in the diagnosis and treatment of disease conditions characterized by low or high blood potassium levels. Potassium is elevated in adrenal cortical insufficiency, acute renal failure and in some cases of diabetic acidosis. Potassium is decreased in diuretic administration and renal tubular acidosis.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Hoi-Ying Elsie Yu, PhD, DABCC, FADLM
Sheng-Ying (Margaret) Lo, PhD, DABCC
Review Date:  12/27/2024

Performing Locations