Potassium

What is the need for a study?

The test is used to check for electrolyte disturbances, to diagnose hyperkalaemia (high potassium) and hypokalaemia (low potassium), and to assess kidney disease.

When should I be tested?

Potassium is usually tested together with other electrolytes (sodium and chloride). It is also given along with other tests when a serious illness (such as kidney failure) is present, for those taking urinary stimulants (diuretics) or medicines to treat heart disease. The test is recommended for people with hypertension (high blood pressure), diarrhoea, vomiting or profuse sweating. Potassium testing is required for people on dialysis or when intravenous drugs are given.

What sample is needed for the test?

Blood is drawn from a vein in the arm.

How to prepare for the survey?

There is no special preparation.

What do my results mean?

Hyperkalaemia (elevated potassium levels) may be associated with the following conditions:
1. acute or chronic renal failure;
2. Addison’s disease;
3. hypoaldosteronism;
4. trauma or other tissue damage;
5. infections;
6. complications of diabetes;
7. dehydration;
8. excessive dietary intake of potassium (fruit is particularly high in potassium, so excessive consumption of fruit or fruit juice can increase potassium levels in people with kidney disease);
9. excessive intravenous fluid intake;
10. use of certain medicines (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., (e.g. ibuprofen), beta-blockers (e.g. propranolol and atenolol), ACE inhibitors (e.g. captopril, enalapril and lisinopril), potassium-retaining diuretics (e.g. triamterene, amiloride and spironolactone).

Hypokalaemia (low potassium) can be associated with the following conditions:
1. gastrointestinal disorders with vomiting and diarrhoea;
2. hyperaldosteronism;
3. potassium deficiency in the diet (rarely);
4. paracetamol overdose;
5. Diabetes mellitus after insulin use, especially if diabetes has been uncontrolled for some time;
6. Potassium loss due to drugs such as corticosteroids, β-adrenergic agonists (e.g, isoproterenol), α-adrenoceptor antagonists (e.g. clonidine), antibiotics (e.g. gentamicin and carbenicillin), and antifungal drugs (e.g. amphotericin B).

Related studies

Chlorides, sodium, bicarbonates, aldosterone.

Related conditions/diseases.

Kidney failure, Addison’s disease, hypo- and hyper-aldosteronism, diabetes mellitus, trauma, dehydration, taking medication, vomiting, diarrhoea.