Potassium
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Measures the concentration of potassium ions (K⁺) in the blood serum
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🧪 What is the Potassium Test?
The Potassium test measures the concentration of potassium ions (K⁺) in the blood serum. Potassium is a vital electrolyte essential for:
- Nerve impulse transmission
- Muscle contraction, including the heart muscle
- Maintaining cellular fluid balance
❓ Why is the Test Done?
To:
- Detect and monitor potassium imbalances (hypokalemia or hyperkalemia)
- Evaluate symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias
- Monitor patients on medications affecting potassium (diuretics, ACE inhibitors)
- Assess kidney function and acid-base balance
📊 Normal Range
Serum Potassium Level | Normal Range |
|---|---|
Adults | 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L |
📈 Interpretation of Results
🔽 Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)
Causes | Symptoms |
|---|---|
Diuretics, vomiting, diarrhea | Muscle weakness, cramps |
Excessive sweating | Fatigue, constipation |
Renal losses (hyperaldosteronism) | Arrhythmias, paralysis in severe cases |
Poor dietary intake | ECG changes |
🔼 High Potassium (Hyperkalemia)
Causes | Symptoms |
|---|---|
Kidney failure | Muscle weakness, paralysis |
Medications (ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs) | Cardiac arrhythmias (dangerous) |
Acidosis | Nausea, fatigue |
Tissue injury (rhabdomyolysis, hemolysis) | ECG changes (peaked T waves) |
🧠 Associated Organs & Systems
Organ/System | Relevance |
|---|---|
Kidneys | Primary regulator of potassium balance |
Heart | Sensitive to potassium changes (arrhythmias) |
Muscles | Skeletal and smooth muscle function |
Adrenal glands | Aldosterone secretion affects potassium |
🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests
- ECG – to detect cardiac effects of potassium imbalance
- Serum Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium
- Renal Function Tests (Creatinine, BUN)
- Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) – to assess acid-base status
- Urine Potassium – to determine cause of imbalance
✅ Fasting Required?
Test | Fasting Required |
|---|---|
Potassium | ❌ No |
📝 Summary Table
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
What | Measures potassium ion level in serum |
Why | Detect electrolyte imbalances affecting heart, muscles |
Normal Range | 3.5 – 5.0 mEq/L |
Low Level | Due to diuretics, vomiting, renal loss |
High Level | Due to kidney failure, medications, acidosis |
Associated Organs | Kidneys, heart, muscles, adrenal glands |
Follow-up Tests | ECG, renal panel, ABG, electrolytes |
Fasting Required | ❌ No |
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