Why get tested? To determine whether your potassium concentration is within normal limits and to help evaluate an electrolyte imbalance; to monitor chronic or acutehyperkalemia or hypokalemia
When to get tested? As part of a routine medical exam, when you have symptoms such as weakness and/or cardiac arrhythmia, or when an electrolyte imbalance is suspected; at regular intervals when you are taking a medication and/or have a disease or condition, such as high blood pressure (hypertension) or kidney disease, that can affect your potassium level
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm
This article was last reviewed on April 7, 2008.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
The review date indicates when the article was last reviewed from beginning to end to ensure that it reflects the most current science. A review may not require any modifications to the article, so the two dates may not always agree.
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