Serum Potassium
Blood Tests

Author: Gianpiero Pescarmona
Date: 13/08/2011

Description

DEFINITION

A short yet comprehensive description

External links

DatabaseLink
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ANALYTICAL METHOD

Reference methodologies, based on ion chromatography and flame atomic emission spectrometry are equivalent, and able to satisfy current analytical specifications for serum potassium measurements.
Survey of serum potassium reference measurements. 1999

ANALYTICAL TRICKS AND TIPS

THE BIOLOGICAL CONTEXT

Hormonal and pharmacological modification of plasma potassium homeostasis. 2010

DIAGNOSTIC USE

Normal Range

Adults: 3.5-5 mEq/L (3.5-5 mmol/L)
Premature neonates, cord blood: 5-10.2 mEq/L (5-10.2 mmol/L)
Premature neonates, 48 hours: 3-6 mEq/L (3-6 mmol/L)
Neonates, cord blood: 5.6-12 mEq/L (5.6-12 mmol/L)
Neonates: 3.7-5.9 mEq/L (3.7-5.9 mmol/L)
Infants: 4.1-5.3 mEq/L (4.1-5.3 mmol/L)
Children: 3.4-4.7 mEq/L (3.4-4.7 mmol/L)

from

Hyperkalemia

Reduction of erythrocyte (Na(+)-K+) ATPase activities in non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients with hyperkalemia. 1992

To elucidate the mechanism of hyperkalemia in diabetic patients without renal failure, we investigated (Na(+)-K+) adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in erythrocyte membrane, erythrocyte Na+ and K+ content, and plasma endogenous digitalis-like substance in control subjects (n = 16) and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients (n = 62).

[Diabetes mellitus as a general membrane disease and its consequences]. , 2001

Untreated diabetic patients generally show hyperkalemia. Forceful treatment with insulin of these subjects often causes severe hypokalemia as a consequence of sudden translocation of the Na(+)-pump.

Hypokalemia

Issues

Specificity, sensitivity etc.

Diagnostic Algorithms

PROs and CONTROs

Open Questions

Working Hypothesis

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