Included in the urea and electrolytes (U&E) profile. Potassium is important for the regulation of neuromuscular excitability and cardiac contractility. As a predominantly intracellular ion, disturbances in serum/plasma potassium may result from changes in cellular distribution, intake or excretion.
Falsely elevated potassium results can occur under certain conditions e.g. if samples are not received promptly, are exposed to low temperatures or are contaminated with EDTA preservative from a FBC (full blood count) sample tube.
Tube
01 (SE) – Serum Gel
ID
Tests&Tubes0095
Additional information
Turn around
A&E: N/A
Day Case: N/A
In-Patient: 6 Hours
Out-Patient: 24 Hours
GP: N/A
Send to
Blood Sciences Cross Site
Contact
For further details please contact Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ Pathology customer services: [email protected].
Collection Con
Intensive care units, renal unit, transplant unit, patients on IV heparin use lithium-heparin (Green with Yellow ring) tube. Minimum volume: 500µl serum / plasma
Instructions for Lab Staff: Standard lab processing- No special requirements
Sample REQ
Blood
Ref. Range Notes
Units
mmol/L