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Test ID: KF    
Potassium, Random, Feces

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Method Description Describes how the test is performed and provides a method-specific reference

A small fraction of weighed feces is digested in hydrochloric acid and then analyzed for potassium concentration (along with magnesium and sodium) by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Aqueous acidic calibrating standards, quality control samples, patient specimens, and blanks are diluted with diluent containing an internal standard. In turn, all diluted blanks, calibrating standards, quality control samples, and patient specimens are aspirated into a pneumatic nebulizer and the resulting aerosol directed to the hot plasma discharge by a flow of argon. In the annular plasma the aerosol is vaporized, atomized, and then ionized. Emission signals from potassium and the internal standard are observed radially by the emission spectrometer. Instrumentation response is defined by the linear relationship of analyte concentrations versus the ratio of the potassium emission signals ratioed with the internal standard. After reagent blank subtraction, unknown sample potassium concentrations are calculated by entering the net unknown intensity ratios into the linear calibration equation. (Unpublished Mayo method)

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed Outlines the days and times the test is performed. This field reflects the day and time the sample must be in the testing laboratory to begin the testing process and includes any specimen preparation and processing time required before the test is performed. Some tests are listed as continuously performed, which means assays are performed several times during the day.

Monday through Friday; evening

Analytic Time Defines the amount of time it takes the laboratory to setup and perform the test. This is defined in number of days. The shortest interval of time expressed is "same day/1 day," which means the results may be available the same day that the sample is received in the testing laboratory. One day means results are available 1 day after the sample is received in the laboratory.

2 days

Maximum Laboratory Time Defines the maximum time from specimen receipt at Mayo Medical Laboratories until the release of the test result

5 days

Specimen Retention Time Outlines the length of time after testing that a specimen is kept in the laboratory before it is discarded

2 days

Performing Laboratory Location The location of the laboratory that performs the test

Rochester