| Material | serum or heparin plasma 0.5 ml |
| Method | ISE |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Remark | - Potassium is the most important intracellular cation.
- Potassium levels are only significant if the serum has promptly been separated.
- Pseudohyperkalaemia may occur due to the release of potassium from platelets, leukocytes and erythrocytes. Preanalytically, haemolysis also leads to falsely elevated levels.
- The main causes of hyperkalaemia are oliguria and Addison’s disease.
- The main causes of hypokalaemia are vomiting or abomasal reflux, diarrhoea, renal dysfunction, Cushing’s disease/ glucocorticosteroid therapy.
- Cave: Even in case of absolute potassium deficiency, serum levels may stay within reference range for some time!
- Cattle: Elevated levels of potassium may lead to reproductive disorders and recumbency if there is a relative sodium deficiency at the same time.
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