Kidney & Electrolytes
Potassium
Kidney & Electrolytes
Critical electrolyte for heart and muscle function. Monitored in kidney disease.
VAT-exempt medical service
Potassium works alongside sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium to conduct electrical impulses throughout the body. It is critical for maintaining a steady heartbeat and enabling normal muscle and digestive function. The body regulates potassium levels tightly, so even small deviations can signal underlying issues with diet, medication, or organ function.
Testing potassium is important for uncovering lifestyle-related health risks early. A diet low in fruits, vegetables, and legumes -- or high in sodium and processed foods -- can upset potassium balance. Monitoring is also essential if you take medications such as NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta-blockers, which can affect potassium levels.
What a high value can mean
High potassium (hyperkalaemia) can result from kidney disease, diabetes, dehydration, infection, or medications such as NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, and potassium supplements. A high-potassium diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also contribute. Severe hyperkalaemia may cause dangerous heart rhythm disturbances.
What a low value can mean
Low potassium (hypokalaemia) is commonly caused by vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive sweating, or use of corticosteroids and certain diuretics. Adrenal gland disorders can also reduce potassium. Symptoms can range from muscle weakness to cardiac arrhythmias.
No preparation is needed. Do not clench and relax your fist during the blood draw, as this can falsely elevate the result. Bring valid ID to your appointment.
Order your test
Choose your test and pay online. Your lab referral is created straight away.
Give your sample
Visit any of our partner sampling locations. No appointment needed at most of them.
The lab analyses it
Your sample is analysed at an accredited Swedish laboratory.
Get your results
Your values appear in your account with reference ranges and an explanation of each marker.
Yes. Repeatedly clenching and relaxing the fist can release potassium from muscle cells and give a falsely high reading. Stay relaxed during the draw.
Bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes, spinach, beans, and citrus fruits are all rich sources. Most people benefit from adequate potassium intake, but those with kidney disease may need to limit it.
Potassium helps generate the electrical impulses that keep the heart beating in a regular rhythm. Both too much and too little potassium can cause dangerous arrhythmias.