Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
Plain Spot Urine 24 Hour Urine PlainPotassium (urine)
Specimen Volume
Random or 24 hour collectionSample Preparation
Usual
Turnaround Time
1 DaySample Processing In Laboratory
UsualSample Stability
4oCGeneral Information
Urinary potassium is a useful test in the differential diagnosis of hypokalaemia.
In hypokalaemia, a random urine potassium concentration > 20 mmol/L suggests renal potassium loss, and <20 mmol/L suggests gastrointestinal potassium loss respectively as being the cause of the hypokalaemia.
Patient Preparation
None
Notes
Urine potassium can be measured in a 24h urine or a random urine
Reference Range
None given. Interpret in conjunction with the serum concentration
Specifications
- EQA Status: NEQAS
- EQAS Scheme: Yes