| Material | Serum or heparin plasma 0.5 ml |
| Method | ISE |
| Duration | Reporting of results on the day the sample is received (Mon–Sat) |
| Remark | - Potassium is the most important intracellular cation and plays a central role in the electrical excitation of nerve and muscle cells. It is essential for acid-base balance and osmoregulation. Approximately 98% of the total potassium is found in the cells.
- Dog: Hyperkalaemia is characteristic of hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's disease). Hypokalaemia is common in vomiting, diuretic treatment or chronic kidney disease.
- Cat: Hypokalaemia mainly occurs in cases of chronic kidney disease, anorexia or hypokalaemic myopathy; hyperkalaemia is rare and usually a secondary effect of (iatrogenic/preanalytical) haemolysis or urinary retention.
- Horse: Potassium concentration varies depending on fitness level and diet; hypokalaemia can be observed in cases of anorexia, diuretic administration or increased sweating.
- Cave: Even with physiological serum concentrations, there may be an absolute potassium deficiency!
- Note: Potassium concentrations are only diagnostically conclusive if the sample is centrifuged and separated promptly.
- Pseudohyperkalaemia may occur if potassium is released from platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes. Preanalytical haemolysis can lead to falsely elevated findings.
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