Potassium test

A potassium test measures the amount of potassium in blood serum, the fluid part of your blood.

Potassium is a mineral that helps:

There are several reasons why a doctor might recommend you have a potassium test, including:

If you have low potassium levels, you may have a heart problem, such as an irregular heartbeat.

If you have high potassium levels, your heart muscle activity may be reduced.

Both situations are serious and can be life threatening.

In rare cases, potassium levels may be low through a poor diet.

Good sources of dietary potassium include:

Read more about the potassium test on Lab Tests Online UK

Page last reviewed: 18 October 2022
Next review due: 18 October 2025