Potassium K kalium (K)

Potassium K
 kalium (K)

Contents of the page
What is the potassium assay K
Warnings
Screening results
Analysis of the results
In this test the concentration of potassium k in the serum is examined. Potassium is the most common cation within cells and plays an important role in maintaining the electrical balance on the cell surface. Potassium is of great importance in the process of communication between different cells in the nervous system and communication between nerves and muscles. It is also important in the process of transporting signals and food from outside the cell into it.

Aldosterone, which causes the release of potassium in the urine when it rises, keeps cation when it is low.

A slight change in level may have very serious consequences: malfunction of the nervous system and muscles and serious disorders of the heart rhythm.

Warnings
Public
Blood bleeding at the site of taking blood (if this occurs, ice should be placed on the area)

During pregnancy:
There are no problems or special effects.

Breast feeding:
There are no problems or special effects.

Children and infants
There are no problems or special effects.

Elderly:
There are no problems or special effects.

Driving:
There are no problems or special effects.

Drugs that affect the result of the examination
These drugs may affect the level of potassium in the blood: blockers (ACE), blockers (B) (Beta blockers), dacton (Aldactone), (slow K).

Drugs that raise the level of potassium: potassium penicillin, glucose.

 Drugs that reduce the level of potassium: diuretics, amphotericin (B) (Amphotericin B), tetracycline (Tetracyclin), insulin (Insulin), Ventolin (Ventolin), Breklin (Bricalin), (Kayexalat).

Hemolysis in the test tube may cause a false increase in the potassium level. It is therefore recommended to use a large needle, not to tighten the rubber around the vein too much, and to send blood to the laboratory immediately after taking it.

Screening results
In men
Sound results:

 3.5 - 5.2meg / L

In women
Sound results:

 3.5 - 5.2meg / L

In children
Sound results:

 3.5 - 5.2meg / L

Analysis of the results
Low level (hypokalemia-Hypokalaemia): Low potassium level usually stems from its loss in urine due to taking diuretic drugs, diarrhea and vomiting, secretions from a gastrointestinal tumor, high level of aldosterone, Cushing's syndrome, or excess consumption of licorice.

 Another rare condition is congenital syndrome causing bouts of hypokalemia and paralysis.

The change in blood acidity may also affect the serum potassium level, because changing the concentration of hydrogen ions leads to a change in the concentration of potassium ions: for example, when the body wants to restore the basal blood to normal, it removes hydrogen ions from cells and in turn enters ions. Potassium into the cells leading to a lack of blood. But in this case the decrease in the amount of potassium in the body is not real, but this lack of potassium in the blood is the result of a change in the concentration of potassium outside the cell and not inside.

High level (Hyperkalemia) may result from tissue destruction, following exposure to muscular mash (Rhabdomyolysis), hemolysis, renal inability to excrete potassium (such as kidney failure), hyperacidosis, Edison's disease, and a rare syndrome called Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis. Not to be confused, as this syndrome may occur with a high or low level of potassium, as well as medications such as aldactone, blockers (slow K), (ACE).

A change in the potassium level may lead to weakness and an arrhythmia (Arrhythmia). A slight change in the potassium level may lead to changes in the electrocardiogram (ECG), so ECGs are used to assess the seriousness of the change in the concentration of cations. After diagnosing a change in the level of potassium the patient must be admitted to the hospital, start treatment and at the same time conduct tests to diagnose the cause of these changes.

By Dr Mahad Shah
Ms Productions