What is 24 Hour Potassium Excretion?
Patients ordered to complete a 24-hour potassium excretion test must collect all excreted urine for 24 hours. The urine is tested for potassium in an attempt to pattern potassium rise and fall throughout the 24 hour period.

High levels of potassium in urine can be indicative of anorexia, bulimia, diuretic use and use of certain medications, including cortisone, penicillin, carbenicillin, and sulfates. Potassium levels will be higher in urine samples of patients in kidney failure. Other medical conditions that can affect potassium levels include Cushing’s syndrome and hyperaldosteronism.

Dehydration and extreme exercise can cause excessive potassium loss resulting in lower than normal 24-hour potassium excretion test results.

Normal Value Range

• Negative Pregnancy Adult: 25 to 100 mmol/24h
• Pregnancy Trimester One: 17 to 33 mmol/24h
• Pregnancy Trimester Two: 10 to 38 mmol/24h
• Pregnancy Trimester Three: 11 to 35 mmol/24h