What is a potassium sensitivity test?

Potassium sensitivity test is an examination medical test, which urologists often recommend to patients they believe may suffer from interstitial cystitis (IC). Interstitial cystitis is the condition of the bladder that causes recurring symptoms similar to urinary tract infections, but the symptoms cannot be explained because no bacterial infection is detected. There are several diagnostic tests that can be performed to determine the cause of pelvic and urinary pain and discomfort, and the potassium sensitivity test is one simple test that can be used to determine whether the IC is the cause of symptoms.

The physician may recommend a potassium sensitivity test if the patient represents symptoms of similar urinary tract infection on recurring occasions and laboratory cultures of urine shows no bacterial infection. The test can be administered in the office and carried out by a registered nurse. It takes only 20 to 30 minutes to complete and require no anesthesia.

and dRaslík's happiness of the Esitivity includes the introduction of the bladder into two sterile solutions by injections into the catheter. The solutions of water and potassium are injected separately into the catheter and then compared on the basis of whether the patient feels any pain, burning or other discomfort, while the solution remains in the bladder or later. If the patient has an IC, they often develop the same pain, urgent or discomfort that feels on the recurrence of potassium.

This test can be useful in the diagnosis or exclusion of IC, as it is assumed that patients with IC have urine with damaged lining. When the natural potassium in the urine passes through the kidney and into the bladder, the potassium penetrates the cracks in the damaged bladder lining, causing classical symptoms of urine, frequency, pain and discomfort. Potassium sensitivity test therefore helps to determine whether the potassium blowing causes symptoms and helpsDetermine whether visual examination of the bladder, called cystoscopy.

Many doctors feel that the potassium sensitivity test is useful in the diagnosis of certain urinary conditions, while others are still convinced that cystoscopy is more definitive. Individual opinions will vary from doctor to physician, but either the test is simple and requires a very low risk. The infection is the greatest risk associated with the potassium sensitivity test and if the patient experiences pain and discomfort at the beginning of the potassium, rinsing can be used to relieve pain.