This test measures the amount of potassium in the fluid portion (serum) of the blood. Potassium (K ) helps nerves and muscles communicate. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells. Potassium levels in the body are mainly controlled by the hormone aldosterone.
A potassium test is often performed as part of a basic metabolic panel, which is a group of chemical tests run on your blood serum.
Normally, your blood potassium level is 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A very low potassium level (less than 2.5 mmol/L) can be life-threatening and requires urgent medical attention.
