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Test Code K Potassium

Performing Laboratory

ChristianaCare:

  • Newark Campus
  • Middletown Campus
  • Helen Graham Cancer Center
  • Wilmington Campus

Methodology

Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE)

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube:  Preferred: 4.5 mL Lithium Heparin (Mint Green top PST Gel) tube

Acceptable: 5.0 mL SST (Gold top) tube or 6.0 mL Serum (Red top) tube


Specimen:  Full tube
Collection Instructions:  For pediatrics, draw blood in a 0.5-mL green-top MICROTAINER®.
Note:  Label tube with patient’s full name and 1 additional unique patient identifier such as date of birth, medical record number, emergency ID number, date and time of draw, collector’s initials, and type of specimen.

Reference Values

3.5-5.0 mmol/L

Critical value (automatic call-back):  <2.8, >6.2 mmol/L

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Routine Turnaround Time:  8 hours

STAT Turnaround Time:  1 hour