Potassium – serum

A test performed from blood to determine potassium concentration levels.

Determination of potassium levels is indicated in the case of:

• acute and chronic renal insufficiency;
• acid-base balance disorders;
• treatment with diuretics;
• diabetes;
• cardiac arrhythmias;
• hypertension.

Potassium is the principal intracellular cation. Only around 2% of potassium is found extracellularly. The difference in extracellular concentrations is maintained thanks to the sodium-potassium ATPase. Potassium is indispensable for maintaining the osmotic cellular pressure and takes part in the biochemical processes of cells.

 Hyperkalaemia (high potassium levels) occurs in:

• diabetes;
• acidosis;
• haemolytic crises;
• acute and chronic renal insufficiency;
• Addison's disease;
• during therapies with potassium-sparing diuretics as well as, to a small extent, in the application of angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.

Hypokalaemia (potassium deficiency) occurs in:

• alkalosis;,
• hyperaldosteronism;
• in patients on diuretics;
• profuse vomiting;
• diarrhoeas.

• An invasive test – the collection of blood into an EDTA test tube, the disinfection of skin according to the standard procedure of blood collection, putting on a tourniquet and applying pressure in the collection site following the procedure for a few minutes..
• The blood collection procedure takes approximately from a few to a few dozen seconds.
• In the event of improper preparation for the blood test, the result will not be reliable.
• Blood should be collected in the morning.
• Required preparation a few days before the test:
  • Do not drink alcohol for 2-3 days before the test
  • Refrain from drinking coffee and tea for at least 12 hours before blood collection.
  • If possible, eliminate any sources of stress.
  On the day of the test:
  • Patients should be on an empty stomach, meaning that no meals should be consumed for about 12 hours before the test.
  • They can drink some water in the morning, but not more than a glass..
  • Where possible, the test should be performed before the patients take their morning dose of medicines, unless the doctor instructs otherwise.
  • Before the test, patients should remain at rest for 10-15 minutes (in a sitting position).
  • Physical exercise, including even moderate effort, such as walking or climbing stairs, may alter the values of laboratory tests.

• Test results are available within 3 working days.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of any Medicover Centre.
• It is also possible to access the results through the Internet (it is necessary to obtain a password at the reception desk of the Medicover Centre).