Blood potassium level

Procedure Information

What is a Blood Potassium Level?

A blood potassium level is a measure of the amount of potassium in the bloodstream. Potassium is a mineral that helps keep the body's heartbeat regular, along with other important functions.

Why Would I Get a Blood Potassium Level?

A blood potassium level test may be ordered by a doctor if they suspect that the patient may have too much or too little potassium in their body. Low potassium levels can be caused by vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, or chronic kidney failure, while high potassium levels can be caused by kidney failure, some medications, or an adrenal gland tumor. An abnormal blood potassium can also be a sign of a disorder in the heart, stomach, or thyroid.

What Happens During a Blood Potassium Level?

A blood potassium level test is a straightforward procedure in which a sample of blood is taken from a vein. The blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis.

What to Expect After a Blood Potassium Level?

After a blood potassium level test, the results of the test will usually be available within 1-3 days. The total amount of potassium in the blood will be reported in millimoles per litre (mmol/L). The normal amount of potassium in the blood is usually between 3.5-5.0 mmol/L.

Conclusion

A blood potassium level is a simple procedure to measure the amount of potassium in the bloodstream, which is important for keeping your body's heartbeat regular, amongst other functions. It may be ordered by a doctor if they suspect that the patient may have too much or too little potassium in their body, and the results of the test should be available within 1-3 days.