Results
A potassium test checks how much
potassium is in the blood. Potassium is an
and mineral.
The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.
Blood potassium levels also vary with age.
Results are
ready in 1 day.
Potassium (K)| Adults: | 3.5–5.2
or 3.5–5.2
|
|---|
| Children: | 3.4–4.7 mEq/L or 3.4–4.7 mmol/L |
|---|
| Infants: | 4.1–5.3 mEq/L or 4.1–5.3 mmol/L |
|---|
| Newborns: | 3.7–5.9 mEq/L or 3.7–5.9 mmol/L |
|---|
Many conditions can affect potassium levels. Your doctor
will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your
symptoms and past health.
High values
- High blood potassium levels may be caused by
damage or injury to the kidneys. This prevents the kidneys from removing
potassium from the blood normally.
- High blood potassium levels can
also be caused by conditions that move potassium from the body's cells into the
blood. These conditions include severe burns, crushing injuries,
, and
.
- Taking too many
potassium supplements can also cause high levels of potassium in the
blood.
- Too much acid () in the
blood makes potassium levels higher by causing the potassium in the body's
cells to "leak" out of cells and into the blood.
- Some medicines,
such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, can cause high
potassium levels.
Low values
- Low blood potassium levels can be caused by
high levels of aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism) made by the
.
- Other conditions that can
cause low blood potassium levels include severe burns,
, alcoholism,
, dehydration, malnutrition,
vomiting, diarrhea and certain kidney diseases, such as Bartter's syndrome.
Bartter's syndrome is a condition characterized by enlargement of certain
kidney cells. It is more common in children and may be associated with an
abnormally short stature (dwarfism). The cause of Bartter's syndrome is not
fully known.
- Medicines, such as
, are a common cause of low potassium
levels.