Atomic Number:	19
Atomic Symbol:	K
Atomic Weight:	39.098
Electron Configuration:	[Ar]4s1

About 98% of the total body potassium of about 280 grams is found in intracellular sites. It is stored in muscles, and its transport is under the influence of factors such as insulin, aldosterone, and acid/base balance. Its function include stimulation of nerve impulse and muscle contraction, maintenance of osmotic pressure, adrenal and kidney function, and protein biosynthesis. Hyperkalemia reflects inadequate renal excretion, mobilization from the tissues, or excessive intake or administration. Hypokalemia is found in hypertensive patients with primary aldosteronism, vomiting, diarrhea, diuretics, burns, alkalosis, and other entities.

Potassium (hair, RBC)? In hair analysis, a significant increase has been related to patients with acute
celiac disease and cystic fibrosis (Acta Paediatr Hung 1992;32:159?65), and is decreased after prolonged alcohol abuse.(Lab Delo 1989;2:42?4). RBC potassium is a more useful index of nutritional and tissue content than plasma measurement.

Sample Requirements (click on cell)
 

Whole Blood

Erythrocytes

Plasma/Serum

Urine

Hair

Reference range

Analyte Potassium
Erythrocytes	Random Urine	24 Hour Urine	Hair
80 - 94 mmol/L	20-87 mmol/L	30-130 mmol/d	0.13 - 1.53 umol/g

March 27, 2008