Hyperkalemia lab tests


 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, M.B.B.S. [mailto:psingh@perfuse.org]

Overview
Hyperkalemia (AE) or Hyperkalaemia (BE) is an elevated blood level (above 5.0 mmol/L) of the electrolyte potassium. The prefix hyper- means high (contrast with hypo-, meaning low). The middle kal refers to kalium, which is Latin for potassium. The end portion of the word, -emia, means "in the blood". Extreme degrees of hyperkalemia are considered a medical emergency due to the risk of potentially fatal arrhythmias.

Lab tests
Initial '''Extensive Evaluation
 * Calcium
 * Phosphate
 * Magnesium
 * Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)/creatinine
 * Cortisol
 * Renin
 * Aldosterone levels
 * Transtubular potassium gradient (by assessing potassium+ secretion)