Patient Preparation:No special preparation is required
Testing blood for potassium levels is not usually ordered individually and always done along with other electrolytes. Your doctor may recommend a potassium test if there are indications for a kidney or a heart disorder or if you are presenting with high blood pressure. It can also be conducted at regular intervals to monitor the effect of certain drugs that impact these potassium levels.
Potassium test helps detect heart problems and high blood pressure; they also help in monitoring and diagnosing kidney disease. Your doctor would recommend this test for you if you show signs of a potassium deficiency. They include:
Spasms and muscle cramps
Problems with the digestive system
Increased palpitation
Muscle stiffness and frequent aches
Potassium is one of key micronutrients (chemical that is needed in trace quantities for maintaining normal well-being) in the body and is required for functioning of all kind of cells and tissues. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body.
If higher than normal potassium levels are noted in the blood, it can indicate a wide range of conditions such as excessive dietary intake of potassium, effect of certain medications that cause high potassium levels, red blood cell destruction or kidney disorder. Low level of Potassium could be indicative of chronic Diarrhoea, Kidney Diseases, and Intake of Diuretics etc.
Sample: Serum (2 mL)
Methodology: Indirect ISE