Normal Values:

The normal range is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L.

Note: mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

What abnormal results mean:

High levels of potassium (hyperkalemia) may be due to:

• Addison's disease (rare)
• Blood transfusion
• Certain medications
• Crushed tissue injury
• Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
• Hypoaldosteronism (very rare)
• Kidney failure
• Metabolic or respiratory acidosis
• Red blood cell destruction
• Too much potassium in your diet

Low levels of potassium (hypokalemia) may be due to:

• Chronic diarrhea
• Cushing syndrome (rare)
• Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, and indapamide
• Hyperaldosteronism
• Hypokalemic periodic paralysis
• Not enough potassium in the diet
• Renal artery stenosis
• Renal tubular acidosis (rare)
• Vomiting

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 syndrome caused by adrenal tumor
• Cushing syndrome - exogenous
• Cushing syndrome - ectopic
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Primary thrombocythemia
• Renal tubular acidosis - distal
• Rhabdomyolysis
• Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis