Potassium is a mineral component that functions for the nerve and muscle communication in your body. It is also responsible for maintaining cell metabolism. It imports the nutrients into the cells and exports the waste materials out of the cells. A disturbance in the levels of potassium in the body can result in serious health consequences. The potassium test measures the level of potassium in the fluid serum of your blood. The test detects high potassium levels i.e. hyperkalemia and low potassium levels i.e. hypokalemia. It is carried out as a standard blood test.