Potassium (K) in Blood
What To Think About
- Low blood potassium values are more common than high blood potassium values.
- An Reference electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) Opens New Window may show signs of a very high or very low blood potassium level because of the effect potassium has on the heart. For more information, see the topic Reference Electrocardiogram.
- Other electrolyte tests, such as sodium, calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine, are often done at the same time as a test for potassium. For more information, see the topics Reference Sodium (Na) in Blood, Reference Calcium (Ca) in Blood, Reference Chloride (Cl), Reference Magnesium (Mg), Reference Phosphate, Reference Blood Urea Nitrogen, and Reference Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference September 4, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Avery L. Seifert, MD - Urology |
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