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Department

Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Potassium (urine)

Suitable Specimen Types

  • Plain Spot Urine
Random or 24 hour collection

Sample Processing in Laboratory

Usual

Sample Preparation

Usual

Turnaround Time

1 Day

Sample Stability

4 ºC

Potassium (urine)

General Information

Urinary potassium is a useful test in the differential diagnosis of hypokalaemia.

In hypokalaemia, a random urine potassium concentration > 20 mmol/L suggests renal potassium loss, and <20 mmol/L suggests gastrointestinal potassium loss respectively as being the cause of the hypokalaemia.

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

Please note, from 22/7/19 analysis performed using Abbott Alinity analyser.   The test is awaiting UKAS accreditation.

Reference Range

25 - 125 nmol/24h (Source: Abbott laboratories)

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: Yes
  • EQA Status:

    RIQAS