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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Tests & Exams > Potassium Test

Potassium Test

Provided by A.D.A.M.

Definition

Why is the Test Performed?

How is the Test Performed?

How to Prepare for the Test?

How will the Test Feel?

Normal Values

What do Abnormal Results Mean?

Special Considerations

Risks

Pictures & Images

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Alternate Names : Hypokalemia Test, K+


Definition

This test measures the amount of potassium in the blood.

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Blood Test
Blood Test

 
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Why is the Test Performed?

Potassium (K+) is the major positive ion within cells and is particularly important for maintaining the electric charge on the cell membrane. This charge allows nerves and muscles to communicate and is necessary for transporting nutrients into cells and waste products out of the cell. The concentration of potassium inside cells is about 30 times that in the blood and other fluids outside of cells.

Potassium levels are mainly controlled by the steroid hormone aldosterone. (For more information see the aldosterone test.) Aldosterone is secreted from the adrenal gland when levels of potassium increase. Aldosterone, in turn, causes the body to rid itself of the excess potassium.

Metabolic acidosis (for example, caused by uncontrolled diabetes) or alkalosis (for example, caused by excess vomiting) can affect blood potassium.

Small changes in the potassium concentration outside cells can have substantial effects on the activity of nerves and muscles. This is particularly true of heart muscle. Low levels of potassium cause increased activity (which can lead to an irregular heartbeat), whereas high levels cause decreased activity. Either situation can lead to cardiac arrest in some circumstances.

In normal people, taking potassium supplements or potassium-containing drugs is of no consequences, because the kidneys efficiently dispose of excess potassium.



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Definition
Why is the Test Performed?
How is the Test Performed?
How to Prepare for the Test?
How will the Test Feel?
Normal Values
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Special Considerations
Risks
Pictures & Images

Topics that might be of interest to you

Diseases & Conditions

Acute Adrenal Crisis
Acute Bilateral Obstructive Uropathy
Acute Kidney Failure
Acute Nephritic Syndrome
Addison's Disease
Alkalosis
Bulimia
Chronic Renal Failure
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's Syndrome - Adrenal Tumor
Cushing's Syndrome - Exogenous
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis
Ectopic Cushing's Syndrome
Hyperaldosteronism - Primary and Secondary
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemic Periodic Paralysis
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemic Periodic Paralysis
Metabolic Acidosis
Pituitary Cushing's (Cushing's Disease)
Proximal Renal Tubular Acidosis
Respiratory Acidosis
Rhabdomyolysis
Thyrotoxic Periodic Paralysis

Tests & Exams

Aldosterone
Venipuncture

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Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
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Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
Ions
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Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation

Review Date : 9/15/2003
Reviewed By : Irfan A. Agha, M.D., Department of Medicine, Renal Division, St. Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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