Potassium

Alphabetical Test listing

Potassium-211

Test name:

Potassium

Test number:

211

Excellian order number:

84132.1

Abbreviation:

Specimen type:

Lithium heparin (Li hep) plasma

Collection container:

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Volume:

1.0 mL

Minimum volume:

0.2 mL

Collection instructions:

If the patient has a white blood cell (WBC) count of >50,000, for chemistry testing that includes potassium, the sample should be collected in a gold serum separator (SST) tube and not a Lt green plasma separator (PST) tube.
Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gently inverting 8 - 10 times to prevent clotting

Processing instructions:

Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Transport container:

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Alternate specimen type:

Serum

Alternate collection container:

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Alternate collection instructions:

Immediately following collection, mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

Alternate processing instructions:

Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Alternate transport container:

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Transport and stability:

Refrigerated (preferred) - 7 days

Ambient - 7 days

Reason for rejection:

Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
Hemolysis
Improper anticoagulant or ratio
Delay in transport
Improper storage temperature affecting results
Inappropriate timing of collection
Improper container
Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Performing lab:

AHL - Chemistry: C

Days set up:

Daily

TAT:

1 day

Method:

Ion Selective Electrode - Indirect

Reference ranges:

Age	Range (mmol/L)
0 - 7 days	3.7 - 5.7
1 week - 1 year	4.1 - 5.3
1 - 12 years	3.4 - 4.7
Adult	3.5 - 5.0

Results that require action (critical):

Low: < 2.8 mmol/L

High: > 6.0 mmol/L

CPT codes:

84132

Date created:

11/30/2001

Revised date:

02/12/2020

Review date:

12/02/2021