Potassium
Potassium values are used for monitoring cardiovascular insufficiency, changes in blood pH or diuretic therapies.
Reference Ranges
| In Plasma | |
|---|---|
| Adults | 3.6 – 4.8 mmol/L |
| Children | |
| 0 – 7 days | 3.2 – 5.5 mmol/L |
| 8 – 31 days | 3.4 – 6.0 mmol/L |
| 1 – 6 months | 3.5 – 5.6 mmol/L |
| 6 months – 1 year | 3.5 – 6.1 mmol/L |
| > 1 year | 3.3 – 4.6 mmol/L |
| In Serum | |
|---|---|
| Adults | 3.5 – 5.1 mmol/L |
| Children | |
| Newborn | 3.7 – 5.9 mmol/L |
| Infant | 4.1 – 5.3 mmol/L |
| Child | 3.4 – 4.7 mmol/L |
Each laboratory should check if the reference ranges are transferable to its own patient population and determine own reference ranges if necessary. For diagnostic purposes, the results should always be assessed with the patient’s medical history, clinical examinations and other findings.
For information on clinical relevance, please refer to the package insert.
Potassium levels in serum are mainly affected by acute and chronic renal failure, severe diarrhea and vomiting, some medication (e. g. ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, diuretics), disorders of acid balance and massive cell lysis or hemolysis after injury, surgery or burns.