Diagnostic Tests for Hyperkalemia

Diagnostic Test list for Hyperkalemia:

The list of diagnostic tests mentioned in various sources as used in the diagnosis of Hyperkalemia includes:

• Physical examination
  • Blood pressure ( postural lowering of blood pressure with Addison's disease)
  • Examine for signs of Addison's disease such as dehydration; dull grey-brown pigmentation in the mouth (around the molars), hands and in new scars; loss of body hair
• Blood tests
  • Ensure tourniquet used to collect blood is not excessively tight as this can cause elevated potassium
  • Full blood count ( elevated white cells and platelets may cause elevated potassium)
  • Electrolytes ( may need to be repeated as destruction of red blood cells in the blood collection test tube may cause elevated potassium)
  • Bicarbonate level - If decreased may suggest acidosis as a cause of elevated potassium (e.g. diabetic acidosis).
  • Renal function tests (increased potassium is most often due to renal failure, especially acute renal failure)
  • Blood sugar level
  • Plasma cortisol - If plasma cortisol is low may suggest Addison's disease.
  • Synacthen stimulation test to confirm Addison's disease
  • Plasma renin
• Urine tests
  • Urinalysis
  • 24 hour urine aldosterone (to detect Addison's disease)

Home Diagnostic Testing

These home medical tests may be relevant to Hyperkalemia causes:

• Fatigue: Related Home Tests:
  • Home Anemia Tests
  • Home Thyroid Gland Function Tests
  • Home Adrenal Gland Function Tests
  • Home Calcium Deficiency Tests
  • Sleep Apnea Testing
  • Home HIV Tests
• Home Anemia Diagnostic Tests

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