Potassium Random Urine
Understanding Potassium Random Urine
What is Potassium Random Urine?
This test checks for the amount of potassium in the urine . It is an essential mineral of the body and helps to maintain the amounts of water and electrolytes in the body. The unused potassium is filtered by kidneys and is excreted out in urine. Symptoms such as muscle cramps, dehydration, frequent urination, hypotension, confusion, irritability and arrhythmia might indicate abnormal level of potassium in urine.
A normal value of potassium in random urine sample should be 20 mEq/L and in 24hr urine sample should be 25 to 125 mEq per day.
Higher than normal potassium level might be an indication of diabetic acidosis, anorexia, bulimia, acute tubular necrosis, hypomagnesemia and muscle damage. Lower than normal level of potassium might be caused due to hypoaldosteronism, dehydration or certain medications.
What is Potassium Random Urine used for?
The Urine Potassium Test is performed:
· As a part of routine health check-ups to measure potassium levels in urine
· As part of check-up to diagnose kidney diseases
· To evaluate the cause of symptoms like muscular weakness, irregular heartbeats, cardiac arrhythmia, etc.
· To help diagnose conditions related to the adrenal gland like Conn’s Syndrome
· In case of abnormal results in blood potassium test
· At regular intervals to monitor the progress of disease or condition and treatment effectiveness while undergoing treatment for hypertension, kidney diseases, and metabolic acidosis
Interpreting Potassium Random Urine results
Interpretations
Normal range:
· Below 40 years age:
Males: 11 to 80meq/L
Females: 17 to 145meq/L
· Above 40 years age:
Males: 17 to 99meq/L
Females: 22 to 164meq/L
Hypokalemia or low potassium is indicated if urine potassium concentration lies below the normal range.
Hyperkalemia or high potassium is indicated if urine potassium concentration lies above the normal range.