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<span>Potassium Blood Test</span>
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<h1>Potassium Blood Test</h1>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What is a potassium blood test?</h2>
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<p>A <a data-tid="5949" href="https://medlineplus.gov/potassium.html">potassium</a> blood test measures the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is a type of <a data-tid="4224" href="https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html">electrolyte</a>. Electrolytes are electrically charged <a data-tid="4298" href="https://medlineplus.gov/minerals.html">minerals</a> that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. They also help control muscle and nerve activity and perform other important functions.</p>
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<p>Your cells, nerves, heart, and muscles need potassium to work properly. You can usually get most of the potassium that you need from the foods that you eat. Almost all of your body's potassium is inside your cells, but a small amount is in your blood. Your kidneys remove potassium in your urine (pee) to help keep the right amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium levels that are too high or too low may be a sign of a medical condition and may cause serious health issues.</p>
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<p>Other names: potassium serum, serum potassium, serum electrolytes, K</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What is it used for?</h2>
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<p>A potassium blood test measures the amount of potassium in your blood. The test is often part of a group of routine blood tests called an <a data-pid="10301" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrolyte-panel/">electrolyte panel</a>. It may be used to monitor or diagnose conditions related to abnormal potassium levels. These conditions include <a data-tid="91" href="https://medlineplus.gov/kidneydiseases.html">kidney disease</a>, <a data-tid="34" href="https://medlineplus.gov/highbloodpressure.html">high blood pressure</a>, and <a data-tid="277" href="https://medlineplus.gov/heartdiseases.html">heart disease</a>.</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Why do I need a potassium blood test?</h2>
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<p>Your health care provider may order a potassium blood test as part of your <a data-tid="4751" href="https://medlineplus.gov/healthcheckup.html">routine checkup</a> or to monitor an existing condition, such as <a data-tid="4" href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetes.html">diabetes</a>, kidney disease, or <a data-tid="128" href="https://medlineplus.gov/adrenalglanddisorders.html">adrenal gland disorders</a>. You may also need this test if you take medicines that could affect your potassium levels or if you have symptoms of having too much or too little potassium.</p>
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<p>If your potassium levels are too high (hyperkalemia), your symptoms may include:</p>
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<ul>
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<li><a data-tid="147" href="https://medlineplus.gov/arrhythmia.html">Arrhythmia</a> (a problem with the rate or rhythm of your heartbeat)</li>
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<li><a data-tid="5324" href="https://medlineplus.gov/fatigue.html">Fatigue</a></li>
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<li>Muscle weakness</li>
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<li><a data-tid="489" href="https://medlineplus.gov/nauseaandvomiting.html">Nausea</a></li>
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<li>Numbness or tingling</li>
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</ul>
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<p>If your potassium levels are too low (hypokalemia), your symptoms may include:</p>
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<ul>
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<li>Irregular heartbeat</li>
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<li><a data-tid="1707" href="https://medlineplus.gov/musclecramps.html">Muscle cramps</a></li>
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<li>Weak or twitching muscles</li>
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<li>Fatigue</li>
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<li>Nausea</li>
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<li><a data-tid="200" href="https://medlineplus.gov/constipation.html">Constipation</a></li>
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</ul></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What happens during a potassium blood test?</h2>
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<p>A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?</h2>
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<p>You don't need any special preparations for a potassium blood test or an electrolyte panel. If your provider has ordered more tests on your blood sample, you may need to <a data-pid="858" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/fasting-for-a-blood-test/">fast</a> (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. Your provider will let you know if there are any special instructions to follow.</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Are there any risks to the test?</h2>
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<p>There is very little risk to having a blood test. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.</p></div>
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</section>
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<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>What do the results mean?</h2>
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<p><strong>Too much potassium in the blood</strong> (hyperkalemia) is often the result of two or more causes, which could include:</p>
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<ul>
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<li><strong>Kidney disease.</strong> Too much potassium in your blood may mean your kidneys aren't working well.</li>
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<li><strong><a data-tid="1233" href="https://medlineplus.gov/addisondisease.html">Addison disease</a></strong>, a disorder of the adrenal glands.</li>
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<li><strong>Injuries, <a data-tid="176" href="https://medlineplus.gov/burns.html">burns</a>, or surgery</strong>, which can cause your cells to release extra potassium into your blood.</li>
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<li><strong><a data-tid="1339" href="https://medlineplus.gov/diabetestype1.html">Type 1 diabetes</a></strong> that is not well controlled.</li>
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<li><strong>The <a data-tid="5603" href="https://medlineplus.gov/drugreactions.html">side effects</a> of certain medicines</strong>, such as diuretics ("water pills") or <a data-tid="222" href="https://medlineplus.gov/antibiotics.html">antibiotics</a>.</li>
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<li><strong>A diet too high in potassium</strong> (not common). Bananas, apricots, green leafy vegetables, avocados, and many other foods are good sources of potassium that are part of a healthy diet. But eating very large amounts of potassium-rich foods or taking potassium supplements can lead to health problems.</li>
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</ul>
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<p><strong>Too little potassium in the blood</strong> (hypokalemia) may be a sign of:</p>
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<ul>
|
||
<li><strong>The side effects of prescription diuretics</strong></li>
|
||
<li><strong>Fluid loss</strong> from <a data-tid="211" href="https://medlineplus.gov/diarrhea.html">diarrhea</a>, vomiting, or heavy <a data-tid="1344" href="https://medlineplus.gov/sweat.html">sweating</a></li>
|
||
<li><strong>Using too many laxatives</strong></li>
|
||
<li><strong>Adrenal gland disorders</strong>, including <a data-tid="4318" href="https://medlineplus.gov/cushingssyndrome.html">Cushing's syndrome</a> and aldosteronism</li>
|
||
<li><strong>Kidney disease</strong></li>
|
||
<li><strong><a data-tid="120" href="https://medlineplus.gov/alcoholusedisorderaud.html">Alcohol use disorder (AUD)</a></strong></li>
|
||
<li><strong>A diet too low in potassium</strong> (not common)</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<p>If your test results are not in the normal range, it doesn't always mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment.</p>
|
||
<ul>
|
||
<li>Certain prescription and <a data-tid="3799" href="https://medlineplus.gov/overthecountermedicines.html">over-the-counter medicines</a> and supplements may raise your potassium levels.</li>
|
||
<li>You should not eat natural black licorice for at least two weeks before your test because it may lower your levels. Most licorice products in the U.S. don't contain natural licorice. But if you eat licorice, check the ingredients label to be sure.</li>
|
||
</ul>
|
||
<p>To learn what your results mean, talk with your provider.</p>
|
||
<p>Learn more about <a data-pid="806" href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/">laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results</a>.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-content"><h2>Is there anything else I need to know about a potassium blood test?</h2>
|
||
<p>Repeated clenching and relaxing of your fist just before or during your blood test may temporarily increase the potassium levels in your blood. This may lead to an incorrect result.</p></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
|
||
<section><div class="mp-refs mp-content"><h2>References</h2>
|
||
<ol>
|
||
<li>Cleveland Clinic: Health Library: Diagnostics & Testing [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Blood Tests; [reviewed 2022 Dec 06; cited 2024 Sep 9]; [about 16 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24508-blood-tests" target="bibliowin">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24508-blood-tests</a></li>
|
||
<li>Cleveland Clinic: Health Library: Diseases & Conditions; [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Hyperkalemia (High Potassium); [reviewed 2023 May 11; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 12 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15184-hyperkalemia-high-blood-potassium" target="bibliowin">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15184-hyperkalemia-high-blood-potassium</a></li>
|
||
<li>Cleveland Clinic: Health Library: Diseases & Conditions [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2024. Hypokalemia; [reviewed 2022 May 10; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17740-low-potassium-levels-in-your-blood-hypokalemia" target="bibliowin">https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17740-low-potassium-levels-in-your-blood-hypokalemia</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. High potassium (hyperkalemia); [cited 2024 Sep 9]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/definition/sym-20050776" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/definition/sym-20050776</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. High potassium (hyperkalemia): Causes; [cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/causes/sym-20050776" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/causes/sym-20050776</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. High potassium (hyperkalemia): When to see a doctor; [cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050776" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hyperkalemia/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050776</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Low potassium (hypokalemia); [cited 2024 Sep 9]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/definition/sym-20050632" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/definition/sym-20050632</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Low potassium (hypokalemia): Causes; [cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/causes/sym-20050632" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/causes/sym-20050632</a></li>
|
||
<li>Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998-2024. Low potassium (hypokalemia): When to see a doctor; [cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 1 screen]. Available from: <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050632" target="bibliowin">https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/low-potassium/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050632</a></li>
|
||
<li>Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co., Inc.; c2024. Adrenal Insufficiency (Addison Disease) [reviewed 2024 Feb; cited 2024 Sep 9]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/adrenal-gland-disorders/adrenal-insufficiency" target="bibliowin">https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/adrenal-gland-disorders/adrenal-insufficiency</a></li>
|
||
<li>Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co., Inc.; c2024. Hyperkalemia (High Level of Potassium in the Blood) [reviewed 2023 Sep; cited 2023 Sep 9]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: <a href="http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/hyperkalemia-high-level-of-potassium-in-the-blood" target="bibliowin">http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/hyperkalemia-high-level-of-potassium-in-the-blood</a></li>
|
||
<li>Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co., Inc.; c2024. Hypokalemia (Low Level of Potassium in the Blood) [reviewed 2023 Sep; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: <a href="http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/hypokalemia-low-level-of-potassium-in-the-blood" target="bibliowin">http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/hypokalemia-low-level-of-potassium-in-the-blood</a></li>
|
||
<li>Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ Merck & Co., Inc.; c2024. Overview of Potassium's Role in the Body [reviewed 2023 Sep; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: <a href="http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/overview-of-potassium-s-role-in-the-body" target="bibliowin">http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/hormonal-and-metabolic-disorders/electrolyte-balance/overview-of-potassium-s-role-in-the-body</a></li>
|
||
<li>National Kidney Foundation [Internet]. New York: National Kidney Foundation Inc., c2024. Hyperkalemia (high potassium) [updated 2023 May 5; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 5 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/hyperkalemia-high-potassium" target="bibliowin">https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/hyperkalemia-high-potassium</a></li>
|
||
<li>National Kidney Foundation [Internet]. New York: National Kidney Foundation Inc., c2024. Kidney Topics: Understanding Your Lab Values and Other CKD Health Numbers [updated 2023 Sep 5; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/understanding-your-lab-values" target="bibliowin">https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/understanding-your-lab-values</a></li>
|
||
<li>National Kidney Foundation [Internet]. New York: National Kidney Foundation Inc., c2024. Potassium in Your CKD Diet [updated 2023 May 5; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/potassium" target="bibliowin">https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/potassium</a></li>
|
||
<li>Nemours KidsHealth [Internet]. Jacksonville (FL): The Nemours Foundation; c1995-2024. Getting a Blood Test; [reviewed 2021 Sep; cited 2024 Sep 9]; [about 4 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/blood-tests.html" target="bibliowin">https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/blood-tests.html</a></li>
|
||
<li>Pathology Tests Explained [Internet]. Alexandria (Australia): Australasian Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine; c2024. Potassium; [reviewed 2023 Jun 1; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 6 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Potassium" target="bibliowin">https://pathologytestsexplained.org.au/ptests-pro.php?q=Potassium</a></li>
|
||
<li>Schonwald S. Licorice Poisoning: Pathophysiology. [updated 2022 Apr 11; cited 2024 Sep 10]. In: Medscape: Drugs & Diseases: Emergency Medicine [Internet]. Atlanta (GA): WebMD LLC; c1994-2024. Available from: <a href="https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/817578-overview#a5" target="bibliowin">https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/817578-overview#a5</a></li>
|
||
<li>Testing.com [Internet]. Seattle (WA): OneCare Media; c2024. Potassium Test [modified 2023 Feb 2; cited 2024 Sep 10]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: <a href="https://www.testing.com/tests/potassium/ " target="bibliowin">https://www.testing.com/tests/potassium/ </a></li>
|
||
</ol></div>
|
||
</section>
|
||
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||
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<h2>Related Health Topics</h2>
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/adrenalglanddisorders.html">Adrenal Gland Disorders</a></li>
|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/fluidandelectrolytebalance.html">Fluid and Electrolyte Balance</a></li>
|
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|
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||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/potassium.html">Potassium</a></li>
|
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<h2>Related Medical Tests</h2>
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<ul class="relatedmp">
|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/basic-metabolic-panel-bmp/">Basic Metabolic Panel (BMP)</a></li>
|
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|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp/">Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)</a></li>
|
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|
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|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/electrolyte-panel/">Electrolyte Panel</a></li>
|
||
|
||
|
||
<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-cope-with-medical-test-anxiety/">How to Cope with Medical Test Anxiety</a></li>
|
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|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/how-to-understand-your-lab-results/">How to Understand Your Lab Results</a></li>
|
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|
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|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/magnesium-blood-test/">Magnesium Blood Test</a></li>
|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/renin-test/">Renin Test</a></li>
|
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|
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|
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<li><a href="https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/what-you-need-to-know-about-blood-testing/">What You Need to Know About Blood Testing</a></li>
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"description": "A potassium blood test measures the amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium is a type of electrolyte. Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help control the amount of fluids and the balance of acids and bases (pH balance) in your body. They also help control muscle and nerve activity and perform other important functions. Your cells, nerves, heart, and muscles need potassium to work properly. You can usually get most of the potassium that you need from the foods that you eat. Almost all of your body's potassium is inside your cells, but a small amount is in your blood. Your kidneys remove potassium in your urine (pee) to help keep the right amount of potassium in your blood. Potassium levels that are too high or too low may be a sign of a medical condition and may cause serious health issues. Other names: potassium serum, serum potassium, serum electrolytes, K",
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