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Potassium Test
Alternate Names : Hypokalemia Test, K+
 See all Pictures & Images
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Greater-than-normal levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) may indicate:
Lower-than-normal levels of potassium (hypokalemia) may indicate:
- The person is not getting enough potassium intake in the diet
- Excessive potassium loss because of a gastrointestinal disorder -- e.g., chronic diarrhea or use of laxatives
- Vomiting
- Diuretic use
- Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the major blood vessels to the kidney)
- Hyperaldosteronism ("True hyperaldosteronism" as with a tumor of the adrenal gland; "Pseudohyperaldosteronism" as in Liddle's Syndrome)
- Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (low potassium during an episode of paralysis)
- Cushing's syndrome (rare)
- Renal tubular acidosis (rare)
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
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- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Pediatric)
- Memory Loss
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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
Other Topics
• Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
• Bleeding
• Fainting
• Heartbeat Sensations
• Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
• Ions
• Muscle Function Loss
• 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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