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Choose collection locationBiochemistry · Individual laboratory test
Potassium
Potassium supports the electrical activity of muscles and the heart. Changes in the blood level can need prompt attention.
Price for this test on its ownAED 125Test price AED 25
Clinical authorDr Nirupama SabhapathySpecialist Clinical Pathology
- Sample
- Serum
- Laboratory turnaround
- 24 hours
- Collection
- Dubai
- Laboratory
- Intel Lab
Understanding the test
What does the Potassium test measure?
Also called Blood Potassium Electrolyte
Potassium is often monitored when kidney function changes or a person takes medicines that influence potassium balance. An unexpected result can be clinically important.
When it may be requested
Kidney and fluid regulation
Reduced excretion can influence the amount of potassium in blood.
A medicine change
The prescriber may check potassium after starting or changing certain medicines.
Before your sample
Prepare for collection
SpecimenSerum
Your checklist
No fast is needed for potassium alone. Relax your hand during the draw and avoid repeatedly making a fist, which can raise the measured value. Report potassium-containing supplements and medicines.
A clinician takes a small sample of blood from a vein. The laboratory uses serum, the liquid separated from the blood after it clots.
Smart Report
Understanding your result
24 hoursLaboratory turnaround
Result guidePotassium
Reading your result
Very low or high concentrations can affect the heart. If the laboratory or care team advises urgent review, follow that advice even when you feel well.
What can affect it
- A sample issue can affect potassium, but a high or low result must be assessed according to the urgency communicated by the clinician.
From sample to follow-up
Your testing journey
Laboratory testPotassium
- Specimen
- Serum
- Turnaround
- 24 hours
Open your laboratory report
Look for Potassium in your report. Use the sample type and collection time when comparing it with an earlier report.
Explore Smart Report
Discuss the next step
Follow any urgent contact instructions on your result. For a planned review, bring the medication list and the kidney results from the same draw.
Health packages
Packages that include this test
Compare the other tests in each package before choosing.
Clinical expertise
Your laboratory team
Patient questions
Before you book
Could the specimen affect the result?
Potassium can escape from blood cells if they are damaged during collection. Follow any urgent advice about an abnormal value while the clinician decides whether it needs confirming.
Why is magnesium checked at the same time?
The kidney needs magnesium in order to retain potassium properly. If magnesium is low, potassium keeps escaping in the urine and replacement has little lasting effect, so the two are usually corrected together rather than one after the other.
What causes low potassium?
Thiazide or loop diuretics are among the most frequent causes. Prolonged vomiting, diarrhoea or laxative overuse, a low magnesium, and excess aldosterone from an adrenal cause or some forms of high blood pressure also lower it. Poor intake followed by refeeding can drop it quickly as potassium moves back into cells.
Can my reduced-sodium salt substitute affect potassium?
Check the ingredients for potassium chloride. It replaces some of the sodium in many salt substitutes and can add potassium to your diet. If your potassium is high or you have been advised to limit it, ask your clinician before using one.
KEEP EXPLORING
Explore health packages.
Open a package to see exactly which tests it includes.
Electrolyte Profile
Measures sodium, potassium and chloride: the electrolytes that regulate hydration, nerve signalling and acid-base balance. No fasting required.
- biomarkers
- 3
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 24 hours
AED 199
Explore package
Executive Health Checkup
A whole-body screen of blood, urine and stool with kidney, liver, lipid, iron, diabetes and vitamin markers, plus thyroid function and a full…
- biomarkers
- 77
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 429
Explore package
Fitness Profile
An extensive panel for active individuals, covering inflammation, iron, metabolic, hormonal, thyroid and nutritional status.
- biomarkers
- 60
- Samples
- Blood
- Listed turnaround
- 72 hours
AED 599
Explore package
Elite Health Checkup
A comprehensive assessment adding reproductive hormone profiling to our executive panel for complete clarity.
- biomarkers
- 80
- Samples
- Blood + Urine + Stool
- Listed turnaround
- 48 hours
AED 599
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Your next step
Potassium test at home.
Sources & further reading
Written by Dr Nirupama Sabhapathy, Specialist Clinical Pathology. Medically reviewed by Dr Joyce Jose, Specialist Clinical Pathology, on .
Catalogue information and AED price checked on 2 November 2026. Clinical suitability, preparation, collection arrangements and turnaround are confirmed for your selected test.