A key electrolyte for heart rhythm, muscle, and nerve function.
Potassium is an electrolyte that sits mostly inside your cells. The small amount in the blood is kept within a tight range and is critical for nerve signals, muscle function and a steady heartbeat.
This test measures potassium in serum or plasma. The value reflects potassium in the extracellular fluid, the compartment outside your cells, which is the standard measurement used to judge potassium balance.
The kidneys, hormones and acid-base balance keep blood potassium stable. Even small shifts matter because the heart is sensitive to potassium.
A high level can disturb heart rhythm and often relates to reduced kidney function or certain medications. A low level can cause weakness, cramps and palpitations, and may follow diuretic use, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
| Measure | Adult range (SI) |
|---|---|
| Potassium, serum | 3.5 to 5.1 mmol/L |
Ranges are guidance and vary by lab. Plasma values run slightly lower than serum. Cite your laboratory's reference interval.
Haemolysis is the most common cause of a falsely high potassium, because red cells release potassium when damaged. Delayed sample processing, fist clenching and prolonged tourniquet use raise results. Diuretics, ACE inhibitors and kidney disease shift true values.
Read with sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and kidney function (creatinine, eGFR).
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