Measuring Blood Potassium Levels
In order for potassium levels in the bloodstream to be measured, a blood test is necessary. If a person takes diuretics regularly or if a doctor suspects that a patient’s potassium levels are not within normal range, he/she will most likely want to check potassium levels present in the blood.
When a patient has been told to have a potassium level taken, he or she will be directed to go to a nearby laboratory. When potassium levels are checked, a sample of the blood is taken from the patient.. Three to five milliliters of blood is typically withdrawn from a vein in the arm. There is no cause for concern with this type of blood test as it is routine and there is very little chance of a problem arising. In rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood test but applying a warm compress for a couple of days will take care of this problem. The results of a potassium level blood test are typically available within 24 hours.
A blood potassium test checks to see exactly how much potassium is present in the bloodstream. Normal blood potassium levels vary with age. The normal level of potassium in the bloodstream for adults is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L or milliequivelants per liter. For children, 3.4 to 4.7 is considered normal and for infants the normal range is between 4.1 to 5.3. There are many health conditions which can affect potassium levels and your physician will tell you about any abnormal results that may be related to symptoms you are experiencing and/or past health.
If a high reading is found, the kidneys may be involved as unhealthy kidneys cannot adequately keep potassium levels in check. Most often, when too much potassium is found in the bloodstream diabetes and/or heart problems could be the cause. Also, crushing injuries and severe burns can make the body’s potassium levels rise out of normal range. Having too much acid in the blood is another reason potassium levels are high as the potassium leaks out of the cells in the body, forcing it into the bloodstream.
If a low potassium reading is found, there could be problems with the adrenal glands. Alcoholism, Cushing’s syndrome, dehydration and malnutrition are some other causes of low levels of potassium in the body as are kidney disorders and bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Measuring blood potassium levels can greatly assist a doctor in properly diagnosing a wide range of health problems and concerns.