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Blood test
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Potassium test
Alternative Names: Hypokalemia test; K+ Normal Values: The normal range is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L. Text Continues Below Note: mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter What abnormal results mean: Greater-than-normal levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) may indicate: Crushed tissue from an injury Kidney failure Red blood cell destruction Metabolic or respiratory acidosis Transfusion of hemolyzed blood Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis (potassium is elevated during episodes of paralysis) Addison's disease (rare) Hypoaldosteronism (very rare) 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: Acute adrenal crisis Acute bilateral obstructive uropathy Acute nephritic syndrome Bulimia Chronic kidney failure Cushing's disease Cushing's syndrome caused by adrenal tumor Cushing's syndrome - exogenous Cushing's syndrome - ectopic Diabetic ketoacidosis Primary thrombocythemia Renal tubular acidosis - distal Rhabdomyolysis Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis Page:  1 | 2 | Next >>