A potassium The blood test will determine the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are minerals charged with an electrical charge that helps balance the body’s quantity and balance (pH balance). It also helps organize muscle and nerve power and perform other vital functions.
Your cells, nerves, heart, and muscles must all potassium to work well. Very high or very low potassium content can be a symptom of health problems.
Other names: potassium serum, serum potassium Serum electrolytes, K.
What is it used for?
A potassium Blood tests show the number of potassium potassium you have in your blood. This test is often considered part of a group of regular blood tests called an electrolyte panel. It can be used to predict or diagnose disorders related to abnormal potassium levels. These disorders include kidney damage, high blood pressure, and heart conditions.
Why do I need a potassium blood test?
Your medical supplier can order a potassium blood tests as part of normal control or prognostic of an existing condition such as diabetes, kidney disease, or adrenal disorders. This study may also be required if you use medications that may affect your health potassium Levels or signs of very high or very low potassium .
If your potassium levels are very high (hypercalciuria), there is a good chance that your signs are connected.
- arithm (heartbeat speed or rhythm problems)
- Fatigue
- muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Numbness or tingling
If your potassium If values are very low (hypokalemia), symptoms may be related to each other.
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Niggling
- Muscle weakness or muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Constipation
What happens during a potassium blood test?
The caregiver takes blood from a vein in your arm with a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected in a tube or vial. You will feel a small burning sensation as the needle goes in and out. It usually does not take more than 5 minutes.
Do I need to make anything to prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required. a potassium Blood test or electrolyte panel. If your caregiver prescribes a secondary study of a blood sample, you will need to be malnourished a few hours before the test (do not eat or drink). Your physician will tell you if there are any special instructions you should follow.
Were there any risks associated with the test?
There are very few risks associated with blood testing. You can have soreness and bruising in the area where the needle is inserted, but most signs will disappear quickly.
What do the results mean?
Too much potassium Increased blood pressure in the blood (hyperkalemia). Often considered a result of two or more bases. Elevation potassium Importance can be a symptom.
- Kidney disease. It removes extra kidneys from your potassium from your body. Too much. potassium means your kidneys are not functioning fully.
- Addison’s disease, adrenal disease.
- Injuries, burns, or surgeries that have the opportunity to force extra cells. potassium into your blood
- Diabetes 1 kind of one kind of one kind under control insufficiently.
- Side effects of certain medications, such as diuretics (“water pills”) or antibiotics.
- A diet too high in potassium (not normal). Bananas, apricots, green leafy vegetables, avocados, and almost any other food is not a bad source of potassium They are considered part of a healthy diet. However, there are quite a few products that are rich in potassium. potassium supplements can lead to health problems.
Too little potassium Potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) can be a symptom.
- Use of prescribed diuretics
- Diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of water to sweat
- Use of very large doses of laxatives
- Adrenal disorders, including Cushing’s and aldosteronism syndromes
- Kidney damage
- Alcohol consumption disorder (AUD)
- A diet too low in potassium (not common)
If the test results are not on the normal spectrum, this does not always mean that there is a disease that needs to be cured. Certain prescribed and freely available medications and supplements can increase your value. potassium Using large amounts of licorice may decrease value. However, only actual drops from the licorice plant will have this effect. The majority of drops sold in the U.S. do not contain actual drops. Look at the label on the packaging unit to be sure.
Consult your internet provider to know what your results mean.
Is there really anything else I should know? a potassium blood test?
If you repeatedly relax your fists before or during the blood test, you should be able to get a good idea of the potassium your blood levels. This can lead to wrong results.
Supplied by MedlinePlus from the State Medical Library.
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