Test Directory

Potassium

Brown Cap, Gel Clotted	Volume Range 0.1 ml Additive per Container None
Orange Cap	Volume Range 0.1 ml Additive per Container Lithium-heparin

Orange Cap - Paediatric	Volume Range 0.07 ml Additive per Container Lithium-heparin

3.6 - 5.0 mmol/L

< 1yr: 3.2 - 5.8 mmol/L

1 - 16 yrs: 3.3 - 4.7 mmol/L

>16 yrs: 3.6 - 5.0 mmol/L

RIE

51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA

Telephone (Biochemistry): 0131 242 6806

SJH

Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP

Telephone: 01506 523000

WGH

Crewe Road South
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU

Telephone (Biochemistry): 0131 537 1910/1

Samples should be kept at room temperature, especially if there is a delay in transport. Potassium leaks from cells if samples are chilled.

1 day

Serum results are on average 0.3 mmol/L higher than plasma or whole blood results, although this varies between samples.