The level of potassium increases after death due to loss from within cells to the extracellular fluid.
Specimen Collection: CSF is aspirated from the cistern (posterior base of skull).
Potassium in mEq/L
hours since death
< 5
< 1
5 - 10
< 2
10 - 15
1 - 4
15 - 20
4 - 7
20 - 25
5 - 9.5
25 - 30
8 - 15
> 30
> 12
(extracted from Figure 6.4, page 228, Hennsge 1995)
Limitations:
• Severe infection, hypothermia or metabolic disorders can alter the diffusion of potassium, causing misleading results.
• Hemorrhage can result in misleading results.
• The cause of death (traumatic versus natural) can influence how well the method performs.
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
