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Potassium test Health Article

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Table of Contents
Definition Alternative Names How the test is performed How to prepare for the test How the test will feel Why the test is performed Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations
Reviewer Info: Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 05/15/2007
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Special considerations

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

If puncturing the vein is difficult, injury to the red blood cells may cause potassium to be released from them, causing a falsely high result.

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Blood test
Blood test

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