Canis ISSN: 2398-2942
Blood biochemistry: potassium
Synonym(s): K
Contributor(s): Kathleen P Freeman
Overview
- 98% of potassium is intracellular but passive and freely diffusable in and out of cells.
- Distribution across cell membrane crucial in cardiac and neuromuscular membrane potentials.
- Major intracellular cation.
- Intracellular location maintained by ATP - dependent sodium:potassium pump.
- Changes in plasma levels reflect fluid balance, rate of renal excretion and changes in balance between intra- and extracellular fluid.
Sampling
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Tests
Methodologies
- Ion-specific electrode most commonly used.
Availability
- Widely available at commercial laboratories.
Technique (intrinsic) limitations
- Test results only significant in conjunction with other laboratory results and clinical findings.
Result Data
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Further Reading
Publications
Refereed papers
Other sources of information
- Ettinger S J & Feldman E C (eds) (2000) Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine. 5th edn. Philadelphia: W B Saunders & Co.
- Kaneko J J, Harvey J W & Brass M L (eds) (1997) Clinical Biochemistry of Domestic Animals. 5th edn. Boston: Academic Press.
- Duncan J R, Prasse K W & Mahaffey E A (1994) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine. Clinical Pathology. 3rd edn. Iowa: Iowa University Press.