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Potassium test



Blood test
Blood test


Potassium test

Alternative Names:

Hypokalemia test; K+
Normal Values:

The normal range is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L.

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter


What abnormal results mean:

Greater-than-normal levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) may indicate:

Lower-than-normal levels of potassium (hypokalemia) may indicate:
  • The person is not getting enough potassium intake in the diet
  • Excessive potassium loss because of a gastrointestinal disorder -- e.g., chronic diarrhea or use of laxatives
  • Vomiting
  • Diuretic use
  • Renal artery stenosis (narrowing of the major blood vessels to the kidney)
  • Hyperaldosteronism ("True hyperaldosteronism" as with a tumor of the adrenal gland; "Pseudohyperaldosteronism" as in Liddle's Syndrome)
  • Hypokalemic periodic paralysis (low potassium during an episode of paralysis)
  • Cushing's syndrome (rare)
  • Renal tubular acidosis (rare)
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:


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