Potassium test - Results

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:

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

Addison's disease (rare)
Blood transfusion
Crushed tissue injury
Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis
Hypoaldosteronism (very rare)
Kidney failure
Metabolic or respiratory acidosis
Red blood cell destruction

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

Chronic diarrhea or use of laxatives
Cushing syndrome (rare)
Diuretics
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:

Blood test

Reviewed last on: 5/15/2007
Robert Mushnick, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor, Department of Nephrology, SUNY Downstate Health Center, Brooklyn, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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Potassium test - Results

Alternative Names

Normal Values:

What abnormal results mean: