EXPERIMENT NO.
POTASSIUM DETERMINATION
(Colorimetric Method)
INTRODUCTION
Potassium (K⁺) is a vital intracellular cation involved in maintaining membrane potential,
muscle function, and acid-base balance. Its serum concentration must be tightly regulated, as
abnormalities can cause severe neuromuscular and cardiac complications. Common potassium-
determining methods include flame photometry and ion-selective electrode (ISE) analysis,
which is widely used in modern laboratories due to its speed and reliability.
The colorimetric method for potassium determination is based on the reaction of potassium
ions with specific dyes or reagents to form a colored complex. The intensity of the color
produced is directly proportional to the concentration of potassium in the sample and is
measured using a spectrophotometer at a specific wavelength.
One of the commonly used reagents in this method is sodium tetraphenylborate, which
reacts with potassium to form a turbid or colored complex. Alternatively, certain commercial
kits use crown ethers or sodium cobaltinitrite that also form complexes with potassium. This
reaction forms a turbid white precipitate, and the turbidity (or color change) is measured
spectrophotometrically, typically at 620–660 nm, depending on the reagent system used.
OBJECTIVES
1. Describe the biological importance and clinical implications of potassium.
2. Properly collect and handle specimens for potassium analysis.
3. Perform the potassium assay using the colorimetric method.
4. Calculate potassium concentrations from calibration data.
5. Interpret results in a clinical context.
REAGENTS, MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT
1. Calcium reagent set
2. Distilled water
3. Venipuncture set
4. Test tubes/racks
5. Micropipettes (10 ul, 1000l)
6. Timer
7. Clinical Centrifuge
8. Labeling tapes
9. Statfax
MANUAL PROCEDURE:
Pipette into test tubes as follows
Sample *Calibrator
Working reagent 1000 ul 1000 ul
Sample 20 ul
*Calibrator/Standard - 20 ul
Mix gently, incubate for 5 minute at room temperature and get the absorbance reading
against REAGENT blank at 600 nm.
Advantages
Can be performed with basic laboratory equipment.
Suitable for low-resource settings.
No need for expensive ion-selective electrodes or flame photometers.
Limitations
Less specific than ISE or flame photometry.
Interference from other cations (e.g., ammonium, rubidium) can occur.
Requires precise technique to avoid turbidity artifacts or reagent precipitation issues.
Less commonly used in modern clinical laboratories due to the availability of more
accurate methods.
READINGS & CALCULATIONS
Calcium (mmol/L) = Abs. sample x 5
Abs. std.
To convert mmol/L to meq/L = mmol/L x 1
NORMAL VALUES
Population (mmol/L)
Adults 3.5 – 5.1
Children 3.4 – 4.7
Neonates 3.7 – 5.9
CONCLUSION:
Interpret the results obtained
ILLUSTRATION:
Flowchart of the procedure
WRITE-UP QUESTIONS
1. What are the primary physiological roles of potassium in the body?
2. How does hemolysis affect potassium results, and how can it be prevented?
3. Compare and contrast ion-selective electrode and flame photometry for potassium
testing.
4. Explain how potassium levels are regulated by the kidneys and hormones.
5. A patient has a potassium level of 6.8 mmol/L. What are the possible causes and clinical
signs?
