Potassium

Testing Laboratory

Department

Chemical Pathology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

SK

Test Code (Numeric Code)

0101

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Please Note: If extended electrolytes are requested only Na, K and Cl will be registered. If other tests are required please specify.

Sample Stability

14 days at 15-25°C, 14 days at 2-8°C, Stable at -20°C

Synonyms

Plasma Potassium
Serum Potassium

Turnaround Time

3 hours

Urgent result, 1 hour turnaround time

Specimen Type

• Plasma
• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)

Acceptable

• Lithium Heparin PST- Gel (Light Green Cap)

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Heparin (Microtainer)
• Lithium Heparin - Non-gel (Green Cap)
• Plain (Red Top)
• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• Plain(Microtainer)
• SST(Microtainer)

Additional Specimen Information

4.5 mL PST Blood (Preferred)
Micro-PST 0.5 mL Paediatric Micro-PST Blood (Preferred)
Heparin 5 mL Heparin Blood
Plain 4 mL Plain Blood
SST 3.5 mL Adult SST Blood
Microsample 0.5 mL Paediatric Microsample Blood

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum
• Plasma

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)

Test Method

Principle: Ion selective electrode

Reagents: Roche Potassium electrode

Analyser: Cobas Indirect ISE

Uncertainty of Measurement

Uncertainty of Measurement: 5% ** For Whole Blood Uncertainty of measurement refer to the Blood Gases page

Non-Funded Test Cost

$3.52 (Exclusive of GST)

Additional Costing Information

Na/K/Cl charge
Please be aware that prices may change. If required, confirmation of the current price can be obtained from Elaine McGrath

Contact Information