Potassium ISE Serum Test

The potassium test is used to measure the amount of potassium levels in the blood. It may be done as part of a general health check-up or in specific cases of fluid or electrolyte imbalances. These may include diabetes ketoacidosis, kidney diseases, cardiac arrhythmia or any metabolic diseases.

• It can be tested as part of a routine physical check-up or in specific situations where there is an imbalance of fluids or electrolytes. 
• Some examples of such conditions may include metabolic disorders, renal disease, cardiac arrhythmia or diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Low levels of potassium may occur due to alcoholism, low potassium diet, loss of body fluids due to vomiting or diarrhoea and aldosteronism (a hormonal disorder causing high blood pressure). It also leads to muscle weakness and spasms, constipation, palpitations and numbness.

High potassium levels may occur in end-stage kidney diseases, hemolysis, burns or traumatic injuries or due to certain medications like diuretics and acute starvation

Potassium test measures the potassium levels in the blood. Potassium levels along with sodium and chloride levels indicate the electrolyte status of the body.

To understand the body's electrolyte balance, it is important to measure the levels of potassium, sodium and chloride in the blood. The main purpose of the potassium serum test is to measure the concentration of potassium in the blood. 

During a potassium test, a health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.

A medical professional performs a blood test to measure these levels by using a small needle to draw a sample of blood from a vein in the arm. The area where the needle will be inserted is first cleaned with an antiseptic. Then an elastic band will be tied on your arm and you will be asked to form a fist with your hand. The needle will be inserted and blood will be drawn out and collected into a vacutainer. The needle may cause some discomfort when it is inserted or removed but the process usually only takes a few minutes.

Low levels of potassium may occur due to alcoholism, low potassium diet, loss of body fluids due to vomiting or diarrhoea, aldosteronism which is a hormonal disorder causing high blood pressure. It leads to muscle weakness and spasm, constipation, palpitations, numbness.
High potassium levels may occur in end stage kidney diseases, hemolysis, burns or traumatic injuries, or due to certain medications like diuretics and acute starvation. High levels may cause muscle weakness & numbness, mental confusion, nausea, vomiting, arrhythmia

The exchange of hydrogen ions for potassium across the cell membrane impacts serum potassium via acid-base balance. 

A potassium blood test or an electrolyte panel requires no extra preparation. If your provider has requested further tests on your blood sample, you may be required to fast (not eat or drink anything) for several hours before the test.

High potassium levels known as hyperkalemia can be due to kidney disease, Addison disease, injuries, burns, surgery, type 1 diabetes or side effects from certain medications. High levels may cause muscle weakness & numbness, mental confusion, nausea, vomiting and arrhythmia.

Low potassium levels known as hypokalemia can be caused by diuretics, fluid loss, laxative use, adrenal gland disorders, kidney disease or alcohol use disorder.

The most common risk associated with a Potassium ISE serum test is the possibility of difficulty in entering a suitable vein. In rare cases, people have reported experiencing bleeding, bruising and lightheadedness during or after the test. Additionally, if potassium levels are too high or low, further medical testing may be needed to determine the underlying cause.

The potassium ISE serum test is a safe procedure with few risks or side effects.

The potassium ISE serum test is a simple blood test in which a blood sample will be drawn. It will then be sent to a laboratory for analysis and typically does not require any special preparation. However, it is important to follow any instructions given by your healthcare provider such as fasting for certain tests.

The normal values of potassium in the blood are 3.6 to 5.0 millimoles/litre (mmol/L).

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories.

A value higher than 5.5 mmol/L is considered to be high. Potassium levels above 6.5 mmol/L and below 2.5 mmol/L are very dangerous and need immediate medical attention.

• If you have high blood pressure
• For monitoring of previously diagnosed kidney disease
• If you are on medication that can increase potassium levels in your blood
• If you are a known diabetic

The test is often part of a group of routine blood tests called an electrolyte panel.