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HelpTest Code K Potassium
Performing Laboratory
Hunterdon Medical Center Laboratory
Special Instructions
Potassium level in the serum is affected by hemolysis.
Lysis of 0.5% of erythrocytes can increase the potassium level by 0.5 mmol/L.
Specimen should be centrifuged within 2 hours after collection.
Specimen Requirements
| Container/Tube | |
| Acceptable | PST (Li Hep) Gel- Mint Green Top |
| Acceptable | SST |
| Specimen Volume | 3.0mL |
| Minimum Volume | 1.0mL |
Specimen Type
Plasma/Serum
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient.
Uncentrifuged specimens should be delivered to laboratory within 2 hours of collection.
Specimen Stability
Centrifuged specimens only:
| Specimen | Temperature | Time Frame |
| Plasma | Refrigerated 2-8°C | 7 days |
| Serum-gel tube | Refrigerated 2-8°C | 7 days |
Updated June 2020
Reject Specimen Due To
Gross Hemolysis
Day(s) Test Set up
Monday through Sunday
Available STAT
Reference Values
| Age | Range | Units |
| 0-7 days | 3.2-5.7 | mmol/L |
| >7days-180 days | 3.4-6.2 | mmol/L |
| >180 days | 3.5-5.2 | mmol/L |
Updated July 2017
Methodology
ISE: Ion-Selective Electrode, Indirect.
CPT Code
84132
Loinc Code
2823-3