Potassium (K) in Blood

Results

A potassium test checks how much potassium is in the blood. Potassium is an electrolyte and mineral. Normal values may vary from lab to lab. Blood potassium levels also vary with age.

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Potassium (K)

Adults:	3.5–5.0 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) or 3.5–5.0 milliequivalents per litre (mEq/L)
Children:	3.4–4.7 mmol/L or 3.4–4.7 mEq/L
Infants:	4.1–5.3 mmol/L or 4.1–5.3 mEq/L
Newborns:	3.9–5.9 mmol/L or 3.9–5.9 mEq/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 medical history.

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, heart attack, and diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Taking too many potassium supplements can also cause high levels of potassium in the blood.
• Too much acid (pH) 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 adrenal glands.
• Other conditions that can cause low blood potassium levels include severe burns, cystic fibrosis, alcoholism, Cushing's syndrome, 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 diuretics, are a common cause of low potassium levels.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 10, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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