Potassium Urine Test

Latest Edit: Hector 2014-03-24 (EDT)

See Also	Lab Tests

Potassium is the major cation within the cell. A 24-hour urine collection of potassium is particularly important to evaluate electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and renal and adrenal diseases.

Discussion

• Serum potassium concentration depends on many factors such as aldosterone and to a lesser extent, glucocorticosteroids
• If sodium blood levels are diminished, the renal tubules can reabsorb sodium in exchange for potassium, which is then excreted at increased rates;

Patient Preparation

• No preparation is required.

Interfering Factors

• Factors which can cause increased levels:

• excessive intake of licorice
• Drugs: diuretics, glucocorticoids, and salicylates

Clinical Implications

Ranges

High levels indicate:

• Chronic renal failure
• Renal tubular acidosis
• Starvation
• Cushing's syndrome
• Hyperaldosteronism
• Excessive intake of licorice
• Alkalosis
• Diuretic therapy

Low levels indicate:

• Dehydration
• Addison's disease
• Malnutrition
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Malabsorption
• Acute renal failure

Associated Tests

• Sodium Urine Test, Serum Potassium