Potassium, Serum

Why Potassium test?

Potassium is usually ordered as part of the metabolic panel or electrolyte panel. Sometimes a potassium urine test may also be ordered.

The potassium test is also used to monitor conditions that affect potassium levels – examples include kidney disease, high blood pressure and heart conditions.

Who should get tested for Potassium, Serum?

High levels of potassium is called as hyperkalemia and is marked by symptoms like:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Paralysis in the arms and legs
• Nausea resulting from fluid balance being affected
• Irregularity in heart rhythms

Low levels of potassium is called as hypokalemia and is marked by symptoms like:

• Irregularity in heart rhythms
• Muscle cramps, weakness and fatigue
• Twitches
• Nausea and constipation

More about Potassium:

The Potassium serum test measures the amount of potassium in the blood.

Other names: Potassium test

Like Magnesium, potassium is a mineral that is found all throughout the body and plays a role in nerve function, acid base balance, maintain correct fluid levels and also help in muscle activity.

Interpretation of Potassium, Serum

High levels typically mean it could be a sign of kidney disease, post trauma conditions like burns, Addison’s disease etc.

Low levels could just be dietary deficiency, alcoholism, dehydration due to vomiting, diarrhea or medication like diuretics and a hormonal disorder called Aldosteronism that causes high blood pressure.

Reference values for Potassium test: 3.5 - 5.1 mmol/L