Low RBC potassium?

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Hi all, I've been struggling with my health for the past few months. My symptoms are majority nervous system related. I got this test not on my doctor's orders, but i did them because my serum electrolytes were all normal although i suspected some sort of inbalance. I went ahead and did the RBC potassium and magnesium test on my own just to make sure everything was alright. Magnesium was within range, but potassium seemed low. This was the reading:

Potassium: 80 mEq/L

Reporting Limit: 2.8 mEq/L

NMS Labs derived data for 2.5th-97.5th

percentile range is 82-100 mEq/L (n=541).

The RBC sample used for analysis was

measured by weight and multiplied by the

density of human RBC (1.10 g/mL) to

obtain mEq/L units.

If anyone can help me I would appreciate it.

Thanks!!!!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Posted

    I have just found a conversion table, in the UK the results are recorded in mmol/L, which appears to be the same as mEq/L, so, on that basis, I know that my potassium levels were around 2 a couple of years ago & a young doctor told me to eat bananas! I was surprised & checked with a more senior doctor & he said the same. I increased my intake of bananas & avocados & my potassium levels have increased. They are now around 4.

    One of my doctors gives me a printout of my blood results & they always tell me what mine are & alongside, is what the range is. The lab writes any recommendations by each result.

  • Posted

    Food Sources of Potassium

    Bananas, oranges, cantaloupe, honeydew, apricots, grapefruit (some dried fruits, such as prunes, raisins, and dates, are also high in potassium)

    Cooked spinach.

    Cooked broccoli.

    Potatoes.

    Sweet potatoes.

    Mushrooms.

    Peas.

    Cucumbers

    Tomatoes

    I should have told you some of the foods high in potassium

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