Why is this procedure done?
Potassium is one of the electrolytes found in your body. It helps your nerve and muscle cells work the right way. Potassium is very important to your heart muscle. The amount of potassium in your blood is affected by how well your kidneys work, your diet, your drugs, and your overall health. This test is done to check how much potassium is in your blood. ‚
The doctor may order a potassium test to: ‚
- Check for an electrolyte imbalance from nausea, throwing up, or loose stools
- Look for problems with the kidneys and some other illnesses
- Check your potassium levels if you are getting dialysis
- See if your potassium level is affected by the drugs you are taking
- Go along with other tests like an electrolyte panel
- Go along with your routine physical
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment. This test may be repeated. The pattern of the results may be more important than just one abnormal value.
- If the results are normal, it means your body is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, it means your potassium levels are either too high or too low. Though you may not feel sick, you may have an illness. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- There are no special things to do before the test.
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking. Some drugs used to treat high blood pressure can affect your potassium test results.
- Any bleeding problems
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your potassium levels or kidneys. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/potassium/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚