How to Calculate for Potassium Blood Levels
Potassium is a mineral found in the body that helps your systems to function properly. The Physicians' Desktop Reference explains that potassium controls how your muscles, heart and digestive system work by moving into and out of cells. A potassium level that is too high or too low may weaken muscles and change your heartbeat. Potassium levels are tested via an electrolyte test given by your physician or through an at-home test.
Things You'll Need
- Germ-killing antiseptic
- Needle or lancet
- Elastic band
- Airtight vial/tube or pipette/slide
- Bandage
Instructions
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Potassium Level Testing
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1
Apply germ-killing antiseptic to the skin where the needle or lancet will be inserted. The U.S. National Library of Medicine explains that this area is usually over a vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand.
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2
Wrap the upper arm with an elastic band to make the vein swell with blood. Make sure the needle is attached to an airtight vial.
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3
Insert the needle into the vein on the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. If using a lancet, prick a finger at the tip to draw blood.
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4
Collect blood from the needle into an attached airtight vial/tube. Blood from the pipette puncture is placed directly onto a slide.
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5
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, normal potassium in blood ranges from 3.7 to 5.2 mEq/L with mEq/L = milliequivalent per liter.
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Tips & Warnings
Children and adults afraid of needles should opt for a lancet puncture and slide to have blood drawn for potassium testing.
Potassium tests may come back with false measurements based on a number of factors. For a full list of drugs and influences that may affect your blood potassium level before testing, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine Potassium Test Web page or the Electrolytes page of Lab Tests Online.
