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Lab Dept:
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Chemistry
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Test Name:
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POTASSIUM (K), PUMP
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General Information
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Lab Order Codes:
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KP
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Synonyms:
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K, Pump
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CPT Codes:
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84132 – Potassium; serum, plasma whole blood
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Test Includes:
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Potassium concentration measured in mEq/L.
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Logistics
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Test Indications:
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Useful for determining the potassium of the pump prime solution prior to certain procedures such as ECMO or heart surgery.
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Lab Testing Sections:
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Chemistry
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Phone Numbers:
Minneapolis:
Saint Paul:
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612-813-6280
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651-220-6550
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Test Availability:
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Daily, 24 hours
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Turnaround Time:
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30 minutes
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Special Instructions:
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See Collection
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Specimen
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Specimen Type:
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Whole blood
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Container:
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Heparin blood gas syringe
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Draw Volume:
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0.4 mL blood
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Processed Volume:
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0.2 mL blood
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Collection:
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The specimen is collected from the ECMO pump.
Draw in an electrolyte-balanced heparin blood gas syringe. Immediately remove all air form syringe, remove needle, cap tightly, and mix. Send specimen in original tube. Forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not expose the specimen to air.
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Special Processing:
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Lab Staff: Do not centrifuge. Specimen should be delivered to blood gas workstation for analysis.
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Patient Preparation:
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None
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Sample Rejection:
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Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen
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Interpretive
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Reference Range:
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Age:
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Range (mEq/L):
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0 - 7 days:
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3.7 - 5.0 mEq/L
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8 days - 1 year:
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4.1 - 5.3 mEq/L
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1 - 12 years:
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3.5 - 5.5 mEq/L
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>12 years:
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3.5 - 5.3 mEq/L
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Critical Values:
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<2.5 mEq/L or >6.5 mEq/L
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Limitations:
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Hemolysis of the sample will yield falsely increased potassium results. Hemolysis will be noted as a comment along with numerical results.
Samples exposed to benzylonium salts, present in certain blood catheter devices, will cause falsely increased potassium levels.
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Methodology:
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Ion-Selective Electrode (ISE) by IRMA or Radiometer 825
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Contraindications:
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This test is not indicated for general patient assessment.
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References:
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Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, May 2009
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Updates:
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8/19/2009: Turnaround time previously listed as 2 hours.
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