Low potassium can be a very dangerous medical condition that requires prompt attention. Potassium works in conjunction with other electrolytes, like sodium and chloride, to balance your body fluids, stimulate muscle contraction and maintain the acid-base balance in your body. The cells contain the majority of your potassium, with only about 2 percent of all potassium found in your blood, according to Lab Tests Online. Because there is such a tiny amount of potassium in your blood, small changes in your serum potassium levels have a significant impact on your health.
Levels
The normal range for potassium is 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L, or milliequivalent per liter, according to MedlinePlus, however potassium levels greater than 6 mEq/L are dangerous. Some laboratories have individual test methods, so they may report different reference ranges.
Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia means your potassium levels are low. Your doctor may order routine potassium tests if you are taking diuretics. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause potassium levels to drop, as can eating disorders or excessive use of laxatives. Chronic kidney disease can cause hypokalemia. Medicines like ACE-inhibitors and heparin can reduce blood potassium levels. Rarely a diet low in potassium causes low levels of the substance in your blood.
Hyperkalemia
Hyperkalemia means there is too much potassium in the blood. High levels of potassium are associated with acute or chronic kidney disease. Diseases like Addison's and diabetes often cause hyperkalemia. Medical conditions such as dehydration cause potassium imbalance. Drugs such as insulin can also cause potassium levels to rise. Alcoholism and drug abuse also have adverse affects on blood potassium levels.
Sample
A blood sample is necessary to measure potassium levels. There are no special preparations for this test. You may eat and drink normally before having your blood drawn. The phlebotomist uses a special tube, called an SST or tiger top, which separates serum from whole blood. He will take 3 to 5 ml of blood, according to the Central Medical Laboratory. The laboratory measures the amount of potassium in the serum. A doctor can order STAT potassium levels and have the report back in less than one hour.
Frequency
Your doctor will order regular blood tests to check your potassium while you are taking diuretics or other drugs that affect your potassium levels. An electrolyte panel including potassium is used to monitor potassium levels. Your doctor will monitor potassium as part of an electrolyte panel for dehydrated patients or those with electrolyte imbalances.
