What is this test?
Potassium is an essential electrolyte present in all body tissues. Electrolytes are chemicals that form electrically charges particles (ions) in the body fluids, which carry the electrical energy necessary for muscles and nerve cell functions. Potassium is not produced naturally by our bodies, but is found in food such as nuts, bananas, sweet potatoes and dried apricots.
Potassium is required for normal cell function; it keeps your heartbeat regular by controlling the heart’s electrical activity. It also plays a key role in muscle contraction, making it important for normal digestive and muscle function.
To learn more about this test click here.
Preparing for this test
Choose and purchase your test online
Print your request form
Visit any of our collection centres to have your test
Receive your results
FAQs
Yes, you can request any of the test listed on our website without a medical referral if you are aged 16 years or over. For any medical advice regarding these tests, please consult your health provider
We will email your results to you. Results sent by email are password protected. Your password will be emailed to you.Use the password to open the file emailed to you. Your results will be emailed to you and in most cases will be available within 7 days.
No, but we may seek your authorisation to do so if your results are significantly abnormal.
We only offer a defined range of tests for self-requests. For all other tests, please see your healthcare provider to order a test for you. They will be able to determine its clinical relevance to your specific situation.
You need to consult your healthcare provider if you require interpretive advice. Learn more about understanding your results here >
You can also book a virtual consult with a New Zealand registered GP through The Doctors Online. Learn more here >
MyTests is a service provided by Awanui and its New Zealand-wide laboratory network. Your blood sample and information stay in New Zealand.
Awanui Labs has laboratories in Northland, Auckland, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay, Wellington (including Hutt Valley and Porirua), Nelson/Marlborough, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Dunedin, Otago region and Invercargill.
Our laboratories hold accreditation against ISO 15189:2012 as a medical testing laboratory service.
Each test is priced differently depending on what type of test it is. All tests also require a collection fee to collect the sample, or to provide you a sample collection container. This fee is charged once at the final checkout stage.
Most blood tests don’t require any special preparation.
Some tests require an appointment or simple advance preparation. If special preparation is required, for example, fasting before your test, it will be included on the information specific to the test.
If you require support to interpret results, or need a diagnosis, we recommend you seek advice from a registered healthcare provider. We cannot provide a copy of your result report to anyone other than you. If you wish to share this report with your healthcare provider, you will need to forward this on directly to them. There may be a charge for any follow up appointments with your healthcare provider.
Find a collection centre
Visit any of our 150 collection centres located throughout New Zealand.
You don’t need to book in to receive your test, but in specific locations you are able to make a booking to ensure you’re seen at the time you arrive.
