What it measures
The potassium in a whole blood sample, with the cells left in. Most of the body's potassium sits inside cells, so this result is far higher than a standard potassium test, which reads only the serum or plasma around the cells.
Why people test it
- Part of a mineral screen that reads several minerals in whole blood from one sample.
- Checked by people who want a reading that includes the potassium inside blood cells.
Typical range
Ranges vary by lab, method, age and sex, and your report shows the lab's own range. A whole blood result cannot be compared with a serum potassium range.
Finger-prick or vein?
Offered as a vein draw only, as a screen of several minerals needs more blood than a finger-prick gives.
Routine potassium checks, such as those for kidney function or blood pressure medicines, measure serum or plasma, not whole blood.
