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Šálek T, Stejskal D. Pseudonormokalemia case report - What does it mean to have normal blood potassium? Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2024; 34:021002. [PMID: 38882587 PMCID: PMC11177651 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2024.021002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
This case report describes a case of pseudonormokalemia, true hypokalemia. Often, only laboratory values outside the normal range gain attention and false normal results are at risk of not being noticed. However, a disease state may be masked by another pathological process. Here, a 50-year old male was admitted to the Department of Internal Medicine due to sepsis from a dental infection. Initially, serum potassium measurement revealed a normal value of 4 mmol/L (reference interval 3.8-5.1 mmol/L). Thrombocyte number was above 500x109/L. Due to our policy to recommend a repeated measurement of potassium in whole blood or heparin plasma if a patient has thrombocytosis, pseudonormokalemia was identified because the heparin plasma potassium value was only 2.9 mmol/L (reference interval 3.5-4.8 mmol/L). The physiological difference between serum and plasma concentration is no more than 0.3 mmol/L. In this case, potassium concentration were falsely elevated in the serum sample, probably caused by the high number of platelets releasing potassium during clotting. Interpretative comments in patients with thrombocytosis over 500x109/L recommending plasma potassium measurement are helpful. The best way to eliminate pseudohyperkalemia and pseudonormokalemia phenomena caused by thrombocytosis is to completely change towards heparin plasma as the standard material.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Šálek
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, The Tomas Bata Hospital in Zlín, Zlín, Czechia
| | - David Stejskal
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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2
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Kalan U, Vardi J, Kaya SK, Gunes AK. A rare case of essential thrombocythemia with pseudo-hyperkalemia. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2024; 35:214-216. [PMID: 38477831 DOI: 10.1097/mbc.0000000000001295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare clonal stem cell disorder that affects the production of platelets in the bone marrow. This condition causes an overproduction of platelets, which can lead to blood clots and other complications. Potassium, on the other hand, is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in various bodily functions, including nerve impulses and muscle contractions. Here, in this case report, we investigated a case of pseudo-hyperkalemia caused by essential thrombocythemia in a 77-year-old woman with very high platelet counts. Moreover, this case report, which has no similar examples in the literature review, is important for clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Kalan
- Department of Haematology, Ministry of Health Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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3
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Zavorsky GS, van Wijk XMR. The stability of blood gases and CO-oximetry under slushed ice and room temperature conditions. Clin Chem Lab Med 2023; 61:1750-1759. [PMID: 37015069 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2022-1085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Human blood gas stability data is limited to small sample sizes and questionable statistical techniques. We sought to determine the stability of blood gases under room temperature and slushed iced conditions in patients using survival analyses. METHODS Whole blood samples from ∼200 patients were stored in plastic syringes and kept at room temperature (22-24 °C) or in slushed ice (0.1-0.2 °C) before analysis. Arterial and venous pO2 (15-150 mmHg), pCO2 (16-72 mmHg), pH (6.73-7.52), and the CO-oximetry panel [total hemoglobin (5.4-19.3 g/dL), percentages of oxyhemoglobin (O2Hb%, 20-99%), carboxyhemoglobin (COHb, 0.1-5.4%) and methemoglobin (MetHb, 0.2-4.6%)], were measured over 5-time points. The Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia's (RCPA's) criteria determined analyte instability. Survival analyses identified storage times at which 5% of the samples for various analytes became unstable. RESULTS COHb and MetHb were stable up to 3 h in slushed ice and at room temperature; pCO2, pH was stable at room temperature for about 60 min and 3 h in slushed ice. Slushed ice shortened the storage time before pO2 became unstable (from 40 to 20 min), and the instability increased when baseline pO2 was ≥60 mmHg. The storage time for pO2, pCO2, pH, and CO-oximetry, when measured together, were limited by the pO2. CONCLUSIONS When assessing pO2 in plastic syringes, samples kept in slushed ice harm their stability. For simplicity's sake, the data support storage times for blood gas and CO-oximetry panels of up to 40 min at room temperature if following RCPA guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald S Zavorsky
- Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
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4
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Schlüter K, Cadamuro J. Erroneous potassium results: preanalytical causes, detection, and corrective actions. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2023; 60:442-465. [PMID: 37042478 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2195936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Potassium is one of the most requested laboratory tests. Its level is carefully monitored and maintained in a narrow physiological range. Even slightly altered potassium values may severely impact the patient's health, which is why an accurate and reliable result is of such importance. Even if high-quality analytics are available, there are still numerous ways in which potassium measurements may be biased, all of which occur in the preanalytical phase of the total laboratory testing process. As these results do not reflect the patient's in-vivo status, such results are referred to as pseudo-hyper/hypokalemia or indeed pseudo-normokalemia, depending on the true potassium result. Our goal in this review is to present an in-depth analysis of preanalytical errors that may result in inaccurate potassium results. After reviewing existing evidence on this topic, we classified preanalytical errors impacting potassium results into 4 categories: 1) patient factors like high platelet, leukocytes, or erythrocyte counts; 2) the sample type 3) the blood collection procedure, including inappropriate equipment, patient preparation, sample contamination and others and 4) the tube processing. The latter two include sample transport and storage conditions of whole blood, plasma, or serum as well as sample separation and subsequent preanalytical processes. In particular, we discuss the contribution of hemolysis, as one of the most frequent preanalytical errors, to pseudo-hyperkalemia. We provide a practical flow chart and a tabular overview of all the discussed preanalytical errors including possible underlying mechanisms, indicators for detection, suggestions for corrective actions, and references to the according evidence. We thereby hope that this manuscript will serve as a resource in the prevention and investigation of potentially biased potassium results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janne Cadamuro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
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5
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Bnaya A, Ganzel C, Shavit L. Pseudohyperkalemia in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Prevalence, impact, and management challenges. Am J Med Sci 2023; 366:167-175. [PMID: 37285937 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2023.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The term pseudohyperkalemia refers to a false elevation in serum potassium levels due to potassium release from cells in vitro. Falsely elevated potassium levels have been reported in patients with thrombocytosis, leukocytosis, and hematologic malignancies. This phenomenon has been particularly described in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Leukocyte fragility, extremely high leukocyte counts, mechanical stress, higher cell membrane permeability related to an interaction with lithium heparin in plasma blood samples, and metabolite depletion due to a high leukocyte burden have been reported to contribute to pseudohyperkalemia in CLL. The prevalence of pseudohyperkalemia is up to 40%, particularly in the presence of a high leukocyte count (>50 × 109/L). The diagnosis of pseudohyperkalemia is often overlooked, which may result in unnecessary and potentially harmful treatment. The use of whole blood testing and point-of-care blood gas analysis, along with thorough clinical evaluation, may help differentiate between true and pseudohyperkalemic episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Bnaya
- Institute of Nephrology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Hadassah-Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Chezi Ganzel
- Institute of Nephrology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Department of Hematology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Linda Shavit
- Institute of Nephrology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel; Hadassah-Hebrew University Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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6
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Kuo PC, Chen YC, Hsu CX. Pseudo-Electrolyte Disorders in Patients with Malignancy. Am J Med 2023; 136:e186-e187. [PMID: 37612026 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Chen Kuo
- Division of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chiang Chen
- Division of Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Xiong Hsu
- Division of Radiation Oncology, Department of Radiology, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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7
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Cañas AE, Troutt HR, Jiang L, Tonthat S, Darwish O, Ferrey A, Lotfipour S, Kalantar-Zadeh K, Hanna R, Lau WL. A randomized study to compare oral potassium binders in the treatment of acute hyperkalemia. BMC Nephrol 2023; 24:89. [PMID: 37016309 PMCID: PMC10074796 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-023-03145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The KBindER (K+ Binders in Emergency Room and hospitalized patients) clinical trial is the first head-to-head evaluation of oral potassium binders (cation-exchange resins) for acute hyperkalemia therapy. METHODS Emergency room and hospitalized patients with a blood potassium level ≥ 5.5 mEq/L are randomized to one of four study groups: potassium binder drug (sodium polystyrene sulfonate, patiromer, or sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) or nonspecific laxative (polyethylene glycol). Exclusion criteria include recent bowel surgery, ileus, diabetic ketoacidosis, or anticipated dialysis treatment within 4 h of treatment drug. Primary endpoints include change in potassium level at 2 and 4 h after treatment drug. Length of hospital stay, next-morning potassium level, gastrointestinal side effects and palatability will also be analyzed. We are aiming for a final cohort of 80 patients with complete data endpoints (20 per group) for comparative statistics including multivariate adjustment for kidney function, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, metabolic acidosis, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor prescription, and treatment with other agents to lower potassium (insulin, albuterol, loop diuretics). DISCUSSION The findings from our study will inform decision-making guidelines on the role of oral potassium binders in the treatment of acute hyperkalemia. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04585542 . Registered 14 October 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro E Cañas
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, City Tower, Suite 400, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Hayden R Troutt
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, City Tower, Suite 400, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Luohua Jiang
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Program in Public Health, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Sam Tonthat
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, City Tower, Suite 400, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Omar Darwish
- Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Orange, USA
| | - Antoney Ferrey
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, City Tower, Suite 400, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Shahram Lotfipour
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Orange, USA
| | - Kamyar Kalantar-Zadeh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, City Tower, Suite 400, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Ramy Hanna
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, City Tower, Suite 400, Orange, CA, 92868, USA
| | - Wei Ling Lau
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, City Tower, Suite 400, Orange, CA, 92868, USA.
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8
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Yaghoubi F, Dalil D. Pseudohyperkalemia associated with essential thrombocytosis; a hint for better clinical practice. Clin Case Rep 2023; 11:e7267. [PMID: 37113641 PMCID: PMC10127461 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.7267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A 75-year-old man was admitted with a diagnosis of diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperkalemia. During the treatment, he developed refractory hyperkalemia. Following our review, diagnosis of pseudohyperkalaemia secondary to thrombocytosis was made. We report this case to remind the importance of clinical suspicion of this phenomenon to prevent its serious consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Yaghoubi
- Nephrology Research CenterShariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Davood Dalil
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of MedicineShahed UniversityTehranIran
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9
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Dash P, Tiwari R, Nayak S, Mangaraj M. Impact of Time Delay in the Analysis of Serum Ionized Calcium, Sodium, and Potassium. J Lab Physicians 2022; 14:373-376. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1757228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction Delay in the analysis of serum electrolytes along with clot contact time can lead to difference in results significant enough to affect clinical decisions. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of time lag between centrifugation and analysis on levels of serum sodium, potassium, and ionized calcium in a tertiary level health care set up.
Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 70 serum samples were analyzed for ionized calcium, sodium, and potassium under different conditions with respect to time lag and clot contact time. The analysis of ionized calcium was done on Eschweiler Combiline 2, a direct ion-selective electrode (ISE) analyzer. Serum sodium and potassium were analyzed on fully automated chemistry analyzer, which is an indirect ISE analyzer. The statistical analysis was done in IBM SPSS software version 21.
Results The results for intergroup comparison with different time lag and clot contact time between all the four groups for sodium, potassium, and ionized calcium were statistically significant, as obtained by application of Kruskal–Wallis test. There was consistent decrease in the concentration of sodium and ionized calcium, and an increase in serum potassium with increased delay in analysis and clot contact time.
Conclusion The accurate measurement of electrolytes is of paramount importance for the treatment and better prognosis of critically ill patients. This can be accomplished by better management of the preanalytical phase of analysis by maintaining a standard protocol in the laboratory and sample transportation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakruti Dash
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Rajlaxmi Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Saurav Nayak
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Manaswini Mangaraj
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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10
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Gritter M, Wouda RD, Yeung SM, Wieërs ML, Geurts F, de Ridder MA, Ramakers CR, Vogt L, de Borst MH, Rotmans JI, Hoorn EJ. Effects of Short-Term Potassium Chloride Supplementation in Patients with CKD. J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 33:1779-1789. [PMID: 35609996 PMCID: PMC9529195 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2022020147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Observational studies suggest that adequate dietary potassium intake (90-120 mmol/day) may be renoprotective, but the effects of increasing dietary potassium and the risk of hyperkalemia are unknown. METHODS This is a prespecified analysis of the run-in phase of a clinical trial in which 191 patients (age 68±11 years, 74% males, 86% European ancestry, eGFR 31±9 ml/min per 1.73 m2, 83% renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, 38% diabetes) were treated with 40 mmol potassium chloride (KCl) per day for 2 weeks. RESULTS KCl supplementation significantly increased urinary potassium excretion (72±24 to 107±29 mmol/day), plasma potassium (4.3±0.5 to 4.7±0.6 mmol/L), and plasma aldosterone (281 [198-431] to 351 [241-494] ng/L), but had no significant effect on urinary sodium excretion, plasma renin, BP, eGFR, or albuminuria. Furthermore, KCl supplementation increased plasma chloride (104±3 to 105±4 mmol/L) and reduced plasma bicarbonate (24.5±3.4 to 23.7±3.5 mmol/L) and urine pH (all P<0.001), but did not change urinary ammonium excretion. In total, 21 participants (11%) developed hyperkalemia (plasma potassium 5.9±0.4 mmol/L). They were older and had higher baseline plasma potassium. CONCLUSIONS In patients with CKD stage G3b-4, increasing dietary potassium intake to recommended levels with potassium chloride supplementation raises plasma potassium by 0.4 mmol/L. This may result in hyperkalemia in older patients or those with higher baseline plasma potassium. Longer-term studies should address whether cardiorenal protection outweighs the risk of hyperkalemia.Clinical trial number: NCT03253172.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Gritter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rosa D. Wouda
- Division of Nephrology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stanley M.H. Yeung
- Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel L.A. Wieërs
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Geurts
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria A.J. de Ridder
- Department of Medical Informatics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Liffert Vogt
- Division of Nephrology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martin H. de Borst
- Division of Nephrology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Joris I. Rotmans
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ewout J. Hoorn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Nephrology and Transplantation, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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11
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Peter Nonkes LJ, de Haas V, Kemperman H, Huisman A, Antonius Musson RE, Groenestege WMT. Evaluation and management of leukolysis-mediated pseudohyperkalemia in paediatric leukemic samples. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2022; 32:010904. [PMID: 35210929 PMCID: PMC8833246 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2022.010904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Leukolysis-related pseudohyperkalemia due to preanalytical procedures may lead to erroneous (or absence of) treatment based on an invalid lab test result. We aimed to obtain a leukocyte threshold above which leukolysis-related pseudohyperkalemia becomes clinical relevant. Secondly, temporal dynamics of treatment-induced leukocyte decrease were studied to allow tailored implementation of laboratory information system (LIS) decision rules based on the leukocyte threshold to avoid leukolysis-related pseudohyperkalemia. Materials and methods Potassium results of AU5811 routine chemistry (Beckman Coulter, Brea, California, USA) and iStat point of care (POC) (Abbott Diagnostics, Chicago, Illinois, USA) analysers were compared, the latter method being insensitive to leukolysis caused by pre-analytical procedures. Potassium results were combined with leukocyte counts obtained using a Cell-Dyn Sapphire haematology analyser (Abbott Diagnostics, Santa Clara, California, USA), resulting in 132 unique data triplets. Regression analysis was performed to establish a leukocyte threshold. The Reference Change Value (√2 x Z x √(CVa2 + CVi2)) was used to calculate maximum allowable difference between routine analyser and POC potassium results (deltamax + 0.58 mmol/L). Temporal analysis on the treatment-induced leukocyte decrease was performed by plotting leukocyte counts in time for all patients above the threshold leukocyte count (N = 41). Results Established leukocyte threshold was 63 x109/L. Temporal analysis showed leukocyte counts below the threshold within 8 days of treatment for all patients. Conclusions Based on performed analyses we were able to implement LIS decision rules to reduce pseudohyperkalemia due to preanalytical procedures. This implementation can contribute to a reduction in erroneous (or absence of) treatments in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Valérie de Haas
- Laboratory for Childhood Cancer Pathology, Prinses Máxima Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Hans Kemperman
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Huisman
- Central Diagnostic Laboratory, Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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12
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Menakuru SR, Priscu A, Beirat A, Dhillon VS, Salih A, Emran J. Hyperleukocytosis and Pseudohyperkalemia in a Patient With Severe SARS-COVID 19 Unmasks Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cureus 2021; 13:e20826. [PMID: 35141081 PMCID: PMC8802664 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.20826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused significant morbidity and mortality in a vast majority of the patient population, especially those with malignancies. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults and is often an indolent disease. High white blood cell counts greater than 120 k/cumm in chronic lymphocytic leukemia may be implicated in cases of COVID-19. Hyperleukocytosis leads to falsely elevated potassium levels due to cell fragility. Pseudohyperkalemia occurs when elevated potassium is present due to potassium movement out of cells during or after a blood sample is drawn. Pseudohyperkalemia may be suspected when elevated potassium is present in asymptomatic patients with no corresponding electrocardiogram findings. The authors present a case of hyperleukocytosis and pseudohyperkalemia in a patient whose COVID-19 infection unmasked CLL.
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13
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Onuigbo MA, Ross A. Pseudohyperkalemia and the Need for Imperative Caution With the Newly Introduced Potent Potassium Binders: Two Cases. Cureus 2021; 13:e17179. [PMID: 34548981 PMCID: PMC8437584 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudohyperkalemia was first reported in 1955 by Hartmann and Mellinkoff, as a marked elevation of serum potassium in the absence of clinical evidence of electrolyte imbalance - simultaneous serum potassium exceeds plasma potassium by >0.4 mmol/L. We describe two patients with pseudohyperkalemia who inadvertently received inappropriate potassium binder therapy for weeks to months before the diagnosis of pseudohyperkalemia was entertained and subsequently confirmed. Potassium binders ultimately were promptly discontinued once the diagnosis of pseudohyperkalemia was confirmed. Physicians’ attention must be drawn to the availability of the new potent oral potassium binders, patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate. We strongly advocate for imperative caution with these new binders. Iatrogenic life-threatening hypokalemia remains a real concern and must be avoided. Our patients highlighted the importance of caution in the use of the newer potent potassium binders to mitigate against the causation of iatrogenic hypokalemia. Also as important is the observation that in the same patient, with changing clinical scenarios, a patient might exhibit true hyperkalemia that alternated with pseudohyperkalemia, the first of such a report.
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Affiliation(s)
- Macaulay A Onuigbo
- Internal Medicine, The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, USA
| | - Adam Ross
- Internal Medicine, The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, USA
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14
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Zavorsky GS, van Wijk XMR, Gasparyan S, Stollenwerk NS, Brooks RA. Stability of Whole Blood Electrolyte Specimens at Room Temperature vs. Slushed Ice Conditions. J Appl Lab Med 2021; 7:541-554. [PMID: 34448844 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfab089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Data on the stability of whole blood electrolytes is limited to small sample sizes. We sought to determine the stability of whole blood electrolytes under room temperature and slushed iced conditions in human patients at a major hospital center. METHODS Whole blood samples were obtained from 203 patients hospitalized for various pathophysiological conditions. Electrolyte concentrations of sodium, potassium [K+], ionized calcium, and chloride were measured at 5 different timepoints spanning 3 h. Samples were stored at room temperature (22-24 °C) or under slushed ice conditions (0.1-0.2 °C) before analysis. RESULTS Under both conditions, sodium, ionized calcium, and chloride did not show a measurable change up to 109 min compared to baseline; however, the mean increase in [K+] over 138 min of storage in slushed ice was 0.0032 (0.0021 [5th percentile] to 0.0047 [95th percentile]) mmol/L/min (adjusted R2 = 0.62, P < 0.001). Five percent of the specimens demonstrated a ≥0.3 mmol/L change in [K+] from baseline after 67 min of storage in slushed ice. In contrast, 1% of the specimens stored at room temperature showed the same change at the same timepoint. CONCLUSIONS Whole blood sodium, [K+], ionized calcium, and chloride concentrations remain stable for at least 109 min at room temperature. However, whole blood specimens stored in slushed ice for not more than 67 min exhibit a 5% probability that the [K+] concentration will increase by at least 0.3 mmol/L compared to baseline. The other analytes do not destabilize for up to 178 min of slushed ice storage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald S Zavorsky
- Pulmonary Services and Blood Gas Laboratories, University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Nicholas S Stollenwerk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Brooks
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
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15
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Bnaya A, Ruchlemer R, Itzkowitz E, Gabbay E, Mosenkis A, Shavit L. Incidence, risk factors, and recognition of pseudohyperkalemia in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Int J Hematol 2021; 114:102-108. [PMID: 33782816 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-021-03142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pseudohyperkalemia, a false elevation of potassium level in vitro, can be observed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients due to fragility of leukocytes along with a high leukocyte count. This retrospective, observational study included all patients diagnosed with CLL at our hospital who had at least one leukocyte count ≥ 50.0 × 109/L during the years 2008-2018. All hyperkalemic episodes (including when leukocyte count was below 50.0 × 109/L) during this period were assessed. Pseudohyperkalemia was defined as when a normal potassium level was measured in a repeated blood test or when known risk factors and ECG changes typical of hyperkalemia were absent. Of the 119 episodes of hyperkalemia observed, 41.2% were considered as pseudohyperkalemia. Pseudohyperkalemia episodes were characterized by significantly higher leukocyte counts as well as higher potassium and LDH levels compared to true hyperkalemia. Pseudohyperkalemia was documented in medical charts only in a minority of cases (n = 4, 8.1%). Treatment was administered in 17 of 49 (34.7%) cases and caused significant hypokalemia in 6 of those cases. The incidence of pseudohyperkalemia in this study was rather high, suggesting that physicians should be more aware of this phenomenon in patients with CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Bnaya
- Nephrology Unit, Nephrology Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, P.O Box 3235, 91031, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - Rosa Ruchlemer
- Department of Hematology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eyal Itzkowitz
- Nephrology Unit, Nephrology Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, P.O Box 3235, 91031, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ezra Gabbay
- Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Weill-Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Ari Mosenkis
- National Telenephrology Associates, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Linda Shavit
- Nephrology Unit, Nephrology Institute, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, P.O Box 3235, 91031, Jerusalem, Israel
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16
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Onuigbo MA, Tan H, Sherman SE. Alternating and Concurrent True Hyperkalemia and Pseudohyperkalemia in Adult Sickle Cell Disease. Rambam Maimonides Med J 2021; 12:RMMJ.10439. [PMID: 33938804 PMCID: PMC8092952 DOI: 10.5041/rmmj.10439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sickle cell disease (SCD) predisposes the patient to recurrent episodes of acute painful hemolytic crisis. Sickle cell nephropathy (SCN) is not uncommon in adult patients, and renal manifestations of SCN include renal ischemia, microinfarcts, renal papillary necrosis, and renal tubular abnormalities with variable clinical presentations. Intravascular hemolysis and reduced glomerular filtration rate with renal tubular dysfunction predispose to true hyperkalemia. Hemolytic crisis can be complicated by sepsis, leading to significant degrees of thrombocytosis, and thrombocytosis is a well-defined cause of pseudohyperkalemia. We describe a 40-year-old African American male patient with sickle cell anemia who exhibited alternating episodes of true hyperkalemia and pseudohyperkalemia, during consecutive hospital admissions. Clearly, true hyperkalemia is a potentially lethal condition. At the same time, the institution of inappropriate and intensive treatment of pseudohyperkalemia leading to severe hypokalemia is also potentially lethal. The need for this caution is most imperative with the recent introduction of the safer and more potent potassium binders, patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate.
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17
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Palmer BF, Carrero JJ, Clegg DJ, Colbert GB, Emmett M, Fishbane S, Hain DJ, Lerma E, Onuigbo M, Rastogi A, Roger SD, Spinowitz BS, Weir MR. Clinical Management of Hyperkalemia. Mayo Clin Proc 2021; 96:744-762. [PMID: 33160639 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Hyperkalemia is an electrolyte abnormality with potentially life-threatening consequences. Despite various guidelines, no universally accepted consensus exists on best practices for hyperkalemia monitoring, with variations in precise potassium (K+) concentration thresholds or for the management of acute or chronic hyperkalemia. Based on the available evidence, this review identifies several critical issues and unmet needs with regard to the management of hyperkalemia. Real-world studies are needed for a better understanding of the prevalence of hyperkalemia outside the clinical trial setting. There is a need to improve effective management of hyperkalemia, including classification and K+ monitoring, when to reinitiate previously discontinued renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi) therapy, and when to use oral K+-binding agents. Monitoring serum K+ should be individualized; however, increased frequency of monitoring should be considered for patients with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, heart failure, or a history of hyperkalemia and for those receiving RAASi therapy. Recent clinical studies suggest that the newer K+ binders (patiromer sorbitex calcium and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) may facilitate optimization of RAASi therapy. Enhancing the knowledge of primary care physicians and internists with respect to the safety profiles of these newer K+ binders may increase confidence in managing patients with hyperkalemia. Lastly, the availability of newer K+-binding agents requires further study to establish whether stringent dietary K+ restrictions are needed in patients receiving K+-binder therapy. Individualized monitoring of serum K+ among patients with an increased risk of hyperkalemia and the use of newer K+-binding agents may allow for optimization of RAASi therapy and more effective management of hyperkalemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biff F Palmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas.
| | - Juan Jesus Carrero
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Deborah J Clegg
- Drexel University College of Nursing and Health Professions, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | | | - Steven Fishbane
- Department of Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, NY
| | - Debra J Hain
- Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, and Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, FL
| | - Edgar Lerma
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago/Advocate Christ Medical Center, Oak Lawn
| | - Macaulay Onuigbo
- Robert Larner College of Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington
| | - Anjay Rastogi
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Simon D Roger
- Renal Research, Gosford Hospital, Gosford, Australia
| | | | - Matthew R Weir
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore
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18
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Guo Y, Li HC. Pseudohyperkalemia caused by essential thrombocythemia in a patient with chronic renal failure: A case report. World J Clin Cases 2020; 8:5432-5438. [PMID: 33269281 PMCID: PMC7674747 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i21.5432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperkalemia is one of the most common complications of chronic renal failure. Pseudohyperkalemia is caused by elevated levels of serum potassium in vitro and is usually accompanied by thrombocythemia. Although an elevated level of potassium is typically correlated with impaired renal function, pseudo-hyperkalemia has been rarely reported in patients with chronic renal failure. Here, we conducted a review of the literature to study the case of pseudo-hyperkalemia caused by the essential thrombocythemia in a patient with chronic renal failure.
CASE SUMMARY A 73-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with complaints of palpitation, dyspnea, and acratia for 2 d and a history of essential throm-bocythemia for 1 year. The routine blood test showed platelet count of 1460 × 109/L, and biochemistry tests showed that the patient suffered from hyperkalemia (potassium: 7.50 mmol/L) and renal failure (estimated glomerular filtration rate: 8.88 mL/min). Initial treatment included medicines to lower her potassium-levels and hemodialysis. However, the therapy did not affect her serum potassium levels. Plasma potassium concentration measurements and a history of essential thrombocythemia established the diagnosis of pseudohyperkalemia. The treatments of the platelet disorder gradually normalized serum potassium levels; however, the treatments had to be discontinued later due to the severe leukopenia, and enhanced levels of serum potassium concentrations were observable in the patient. Since plasma sampling was not permitted, doctors had to use a diuretic just in case. Finally, the patient collapsed into unconsciousness and died due to multiple organ dysfunction and electrolyte disturbance.
CONCLUSION We reviewed the literature and suggest that serum and plasma potassium values should both be measured for patients whose platelet counts exceed 500 × 109/L to eliminate chances of pseudohyperkalemia, especially for those with chronic renal failure. An inappropriate treatment for pseudohyperkalemia can aggravate a patient's condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong-Chun Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221002, Jiangsu Province, China
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19
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Morris TG, Lamba S, Fitzgerald T, Roulston G, Johnstone H, Mirzazadeh M. The potential role of the eGFR in differentiating between true and pseudohyperkalaemia. Ann Clin Biochem 2020; 57:444-455. [PMID: 33016076 DOI: 10.1177/0004563220966858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differentiating between true and pseudohyperkalaemia is essential for patient management. The common causes of pseudohyperkalaemia include haemolysis, blood cell dyscrasias and EDTA contamination. One approach to differentiate between them is by checking the renal function, as it is believed that true hyperkalaemia is rare with normal function. This is logical, but there is limited published evidence to support it. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of the estimated glomerular filtration rate in differentiating true from pseudohyperkalaemia. METHODS GP serum potassium results >6.0 mmol/L from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017, with a repeat within seven days, were included. Entries were retrospectively classified as true or pseudohyperkalaemia based on the potassium reference change value and reference interval. If the initial sample had a full blood count, it was classified as normal/abnormal to remove blood cell dyscrasias. Different estimated glomerular filtration rate cut-points were used to determine the potential in differentiating true from pseudohyperkalaemia. RESULTS A total of 272 patients were included with potassium results >6.0 mmol/L, with 145 classified as pseudohyperkalaemia. At an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, the negative predictive value was 81% (95% CI: 67-90%); this increased to 86% (95% CI: 66-95%) by removing patients with abnormal full blood counts. When only patients with an initial potassium ≥6.5 mmol/L were included (regardless of full blood count), at an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 90 ml/min/1.73 m2, the negative predictive value was 100%. Lower negative predictive values were seen with decreasing estimated glomerular filtration rate cut-points. CONCLUSION Normal renal function was not associated with true hyperkalaemia, making the estimated glomerular filtration rate a useful tool in predicting true from pseudohyperkalaemia, especially for potassium results ≥6.5 mmol/L.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G Morris
- Blood Sciences, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sushmita Lamba
- Blood Sciences, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Thomas Fitzgerald
- Nephrology, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Gary Roulston
- Nephrology, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Helen Johnstone
- Blood Sciences, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Mehdi Mirzazadeh
- Blood Sciences, Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, London, UK
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20
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Chothia MY, Kassum P, Zemlin A. A method comparison study of a point-of-care blood gas analyser with a laboratory auto-analyser for the determination of potassium concentrations during hyperkalaemia in patients with kidney disease. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2020; 30:030702. [PMID: 32774124 PMCID: PMC7394258 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2020.030702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hyperkalaemia is a common electrolyte disorder that may cause life-threatening cardiac arrythmias. We aimed to determine the agreement of potassium concentrations between GEM premier 3500 point-of-care blood gas analyser (POC-BGA) and Roche Cobas 6000 c501 auto-analyser in patients with hyperkalaemia. Methods A prospective, cross-sectional study of all consecutive adult patients referred to the Renal Unit with a serum potassium concentration ≥ 5.5 mmol/L was performed. A total of 59 paired venous blood samples were included in the final statistical analysis. Passing-Bablok regression and Bland Altman analysis were used to compare the two methods. Results The median laboratory auto-analyser potassium concentration was 6.1 (5.9-7.1) mmol/L as compared to the POC-BGA potassium concentration of 5.7 (5.5-6.8) mmol/L with a mean difference of - 0.43 mmol/L and 95% upper and lower limits of agreement of 0.35 mmol/L and - 1.21 mmol/L, respectively. Regression analysis revealed proportional systematic error. Test for linearity did not indicate significant deviation (P = 0.297). Conclusion Although regression analysis indicated proportional systematic error, on Bland Altman analysis, the mean difference appeared to remain relatively constant across the potassium range that was evaluated. Therefore, in patients presenting to the emergency department with a clinical suspicion of hyperkalaemia, POC-BGA potassium concentrations may be considered a surrogate for laboratory auto-analyser measurements once clinicians have been cautioned about this difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mogamat-Yazied Chothia
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Patricia Kassum
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Annalise Zemlin
- Division of Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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21
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Van Elslande J, Dominicus T, Toelen J, Frans G, Vermeersch P. A case of severe pseudohyperkalaemia due to muscle contraction. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2020; 30:021004. [PMID: 32550820 PMCID: PMC7271752 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2020.021004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe hyperkalaemia is a serious medical condition requiring immediate medical attention. Before medical treatment is started, pseudohyperkalaemia has to be ruled out. Case description A 10-month old infant presented to the emergency department with fever and coughing since 1 week. Routine venous blood testing revealed a severe hyperkalaemia of 6.9 mmol/L without any indication of haemolysis. Reanalysis of the plasma sample confirmed the hyperkalaemia (7.1 mmol/L). Based on these results, the clinical pathologist suggested to perform a venous blood gas analysis and electrocardiogram (ECG) which revealed a normal potassium of 3.7 mmol/L and normal ECG, ruling out a potentially life-treating hyperkalaemia. The child was diagnosed with pneumonia. The paediatrician had difficulty to perform the first venous blood collection due to excessive movement of the infant during venipuncture. The muscle contractions of the child in combination with venous stasis most probably led to a local increase of potassium in the sampled limbs. The second sample collected under optimal preanalytical circumstances had a normal potassium. Since muscle contraction typically does not cause severe hyperkalaemia, other causes of pseudohyperkalaemia were excluded. K3-EDTA contamination and familial hyperkalaemia were ruled out and the patient did not have extreme leucocytosis or thrombocytosis. By exclusion a diagnosis of pseudohyperkalaemia due to intense muscle movement and venous stasis was made. Conclusion This case suggests that intense muscle contraction and venous stasis can cause severe pseudohyperkalemia without hemolysis. Once true hyperkalemia has been ruled out, a laboratory work-up can help identify the cause of pseudohyperkalaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Van Elslande
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Toon Dominicus
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Development and Regeneration, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Glynis Frans
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vermeersch
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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22
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Moreno G, Gunsolus IL. Reverse pseudohyperkalemia and pseudohyponatremia in a patient with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Clin Biochem 2020; 78:63-65. [PMID: 32014484 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Investigate concomitant and spurious high potassium and low sodium results in heparinized plasma. METHODS Potassium and sodium values were measured from heparinized plasma and serum in a patient with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma using both an automated chemistry analyzer (indirect ion selective electrode) and blood gas analyzer (direct ion selective electrode). RESULTS Potassium levels were significantly increased while sodium levels were significantly decreased in heparinized plasma compared to serum on several occasions. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, concomitant reverse pseudohyperkalemia and pseudohyponatremia has not been reported previously. We postulate the discrepancy between plasma and serum sodium (pseudohyponatremia in plasma) may be unique to cases of reverse pseudohyperkalemia with extreme potassium elevations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Moreno
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Ian L Gunsolus
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.
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23
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Crews BO, Drees JC, Greene DN. Data-driven quality assurance to prevent erroneous test results. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019:1-15. [PMID: 31680585 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1678567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Increasing laboratory automation and efficiency requires quality assurance (QA) approaches to ensure that reported results are precise and accurate. Prerequisites for designing optimal QA strategies include an in-depth understanding of the laboratory processes, the expected results, and of the mechanisms that can cause erroneous results. Oftentimes, a laboratory's own data, extracted from the laboratory information system, electronic medical record, and/or clinical data warehouse are necessary to master the aforementioned requirements. Data-driven QA utilizes retrospective and/or prospective laboratory results to minimize errors in the clinical laboratory due to pre-analytical or analytical vulnerabilities. Additionally, exploitation of this data may improve result interpretation. The objective of this review is to illustrate specific examples of data-driven QA approaches for several areas of the clinical laboratory and for different phases of the testing cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgit O Crews
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Julia C Drees
- The Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente Northern California Regional Laboratories, Berkeley, CA, USA
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24
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Greene DN, Collinson PO. A Few Steps Closer to Optimizing Pseudohyperkalemia Detection. J Appl Lab Med 2019; 3:919-921. [PMID: 31639682 DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2018.028886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Dina N Greene
- Kaiser Permanente Washington Laboratories, Renton, WA;
| | - Paul O Collinson
- Department of Clinical Blood Sciences and Cardiology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and St. George's University of London, London, UK
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25
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Simundic AM, Baird G, Cadamuro J, Costelloe SJ, Lippi G. Managing hemolyzed samples in clinical laboratories. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019; 57:1-21. [PMID: 31603708 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1664391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hemolysis is conventionally defined as membrane disruption of red blood cells and other blood cells that is accompanied by subsequent release of intracellular components into the serum or plasma. It accounts for over 60% of blood sample rejections in the laboratory and is the most common preanalytical error in laboratory medicine. Hemolysis can occur both in vivo and in vitro. Intravascular hemolysis (in vivo) is always associated with an underlying pathological condition or disease, and thus careful steps should always be taken by the laboratory to exclude in vivo hemolysis with confidence. In vitro hemolysis, on the other hand, is highly preventable. It may occur at all stages of the preanalytical phase (i.e. sample collection, transport, handling and storage), and may lead to clinically relevant, yet spurious, changes in patient results by interfering with laboratory measurements. Hemolysis interference is exerted through several mechanisms: (1) spectrophotometric interference, (2) release of intracellular components, (3) sample dilution and (4) chemical interference. The degree of interference observed depends on the level of hemolysis and also on the assay methodology. Recent evidence shows that preanalytical practices related to detection and management of hemolyzed samples are highly heterogeneous and need to be standardized. The Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE) of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) has published many recommendations for facilitating standardization and improvement of this important preanalytical issue. Some key EFLM WG-PRE publications related to hemolysis involve: (i) a call for more transparency and some practical recommendations for improving the harmonization of the automatic assessment of serum indices and their clinical usefulness, specifically the hemolysis index (H-index), (ii) recommendations on how to manage local quality assurance of serum or plasma hemolysis/icterus/lipemia-indices (HIL-indices) and (iii) recommendations on how to detect and manage hemolyzed samples in clinical chemistry testing. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of hemolysis, including its causes and effects on clinical laboratory assays. Furthermore, we list and discuss the most recent recommendations aimed at managing hemolyzed samples in everyday practice. Given the high prevalence of hemolyzed blood samples, the associated costs, the great heterogeneity in how hemolysis is handled across healthcare settings, countries and continents, and increasing patient cross-border mobility, standardization and quality improvement processes aimed at combatting this important preanalytical problem are clearly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Simundic
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital "Sveti Duh", University of Zagreb, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Geoffrey Baird
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Janne Cadamuro
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Seán J Costelloe
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Republic of Ireland
| | - Giuseppe Lippi
- Section of Clinical Biochemistry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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26
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Lima-Oliveira G, Monneret D, Guerber F, Guidi GC. Sample management for clinical biochemistry assays: Are serum and plasma interchangeable specimens? Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2018; 55:480-500. [PMID: 30309270 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2018.1499708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The constrained economic context leads laboratories to centralize their routine analyses on high-throughput platforms, to which blood collection tubes are sent from peripheral sampling sites that are sometimes distantly located. Providing biochemistry results as quickly as possible implies to consolidate the maximum number of tests on a minimum number of blood collection tubes, mainly serum tubes and/or tubes with anticoagulants. However, depending on the parameters and their pre-analytical conditions, the type of matrix - serum or plasma - may have a significant impact on results, which is often unknown or underestimated in clinical practice. Importantly, the matrix-related effects may be a limit to the consolidation of analyses on a single tube, and thus must be known by laboratory professionals. The purpose of the present critical review is to put forward the main differences between using serum and plasma samples on clinical biochemistry analyses, in order to sensitize laboratory managers to the need for standardization. To enrich the debate, we also provide an additional comparison of serum and plasma concentrations for approximately 30 biochemistry parameters. Properties, advantages, and disadvantages of serum and plasma are discussed from a pre-analytical standpoint - before, during, and after centrifugation - with an emphasis on the importance of temperature, delay, and transport conditions. Then, differences in results between these matrices are addressed for many classes of biochemistry markers, particularly proteins, enzymes, electrolytes, lipids, circulating nucleic acids, metabolomics markers, and therapeutic drugs. Finally, important key-points are proposed to help others choose the best sample matrix and guarantee quality of clinical biochemistry assays. Moreover, awareness of the implications of using serum and plasma samples on various parameters assayed in the laboratory is an important requirement to ensure reliable results and improve patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Lima-Oliveira
- a Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Neurosciences , Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona , Verona , Italy.,b Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM) of the Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI) , Montevideo , Uruguay
| | - Denis Monneret
- c Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology , Lyon Sud Hospital Group, Hospices Civils de Lyon , Pierre Bénite , France
| | | | - Gian Cesare Guidi
- a Section of Clinical Biochemistry, Department of Neurosciences , Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona , Verona , Italy.,b Latin American Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE-LATAM) of the Latin America Confederation of Clinical Biochemistry (COLABIOCLI) , Montevideo , Uruguay
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27
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Mays JA, Greene DN, Merrill AE, Mathias PC. Evidence-Based Validation of Hemolysis Index Thresholds by Use of Retrospective Clinical Data. J Appl Lab Med 2018; 3:109-114. [DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2017.024992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Semiquantitative hemolysis indices (HIs) are used by chemistry analyzers to measure sample integrity, but there is little standardization in HI reporting or validation of analyte-specific HI flagging. Additional methods of HI threshold validation are needed.
Methods
We retrospectively queried serum and plasma potassium measurements, HIs, and contemporaneous whole blood potassium measurements. Serum and plasma values were compared to whole blood values drawn within 6 h (n = 6422 pairs), and discrepancies between values were compared across HIs. We also retrieved orders of potassium-lowering medications occurring shortly after release of potassium results from hemolyzed samples.
Results
While nonhemolyzed samples showed high agreement, a significant percentage of released hemolyzed samples (36.1% of the most hemolyzed group) were discrepant by 1 mEq/L or more. In total, 15.5% of patients with an order from the hyperkalemia order set had the order after a hemolyzed value; the majority of those patients (42 of 46; 91.3%) received a potassium-lowering medication, most of whom did not have a redraw before drug administration.
Conclusions
Retrospective review of discrepancies identified marked inconsistencies among higher HI samples and identified opportunities for improving the laboratory reporting policy, offering a clinical validation of the HI thresholds for potassium. Clinicians generally treated patients with hemolyzed samples, underscoring the importance of maintaining sample quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Mays
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Dina N Greene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Anna E Merrill
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Patrick C Mathias
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
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28
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Valentine RM, Barkhuizen A, Roberts R, Ford C, Gama R. Pseudohyperkalemia-Not Always Benign. J Appl Lab Med 2018; 3:1049-1053. [PMID: 31639696 DOI: 10.1373/jalm.2018.026336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Clare Ford
- Blood Sciences, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, UK
| | - Rousseau Gama
- Blood Sciences, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton, UK
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29
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Greninger AL. A decade of RNA virus metagenomics is (not) enough. Virus Res 2018; 244:218-229. [PMID: 29055712 PMCID: PMC7114529 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2017.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Revised: 10/14/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It is hard to overemphasize the role that metagenomics has had on our recent understanding of RNA virus diversity. Metagenomics in the 21st century has brought with it an explosion in the number of RNA virus species, genera, and families far exceeding that following the discovery of the microscope in the 18th century for eukaryotic life or culture media in the 19th century for bacteriology or the 20th century for virology. When the definition of success in organism discovery is measured by sequence diversity and evolutionary distance, RNA viruses win. This review explores the history of RNA virus metagenomics, reasons for the successes so far in RNA virus metagenomics, and methodological concerns. In addition, the review briefly covers clinical metagenomics and environmental metagenomics and highlights some of the critical accomplishments that have defined the fast pace of RNA virus discoveries in recent years. Slightly more than a decade in, the field is exhausted from its discoveries but knows that there is yet even more out there to be found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Greninger
- Virology Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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30
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Šálek T. Pseudohyperkalemia - Potassium released from cells due to clotting and centrifugation - a case report. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2018; 28:011002. [PMID: 29472808 PMCID: PMC5806620 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2018.011002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperkalemia is a potentially lethal condition. Pseudohyperkalemia should be always excluded before implementing treatment to prevent inappropriate cause of hypokalemia – equally a potentially lethal condition. Here we present a case report of a 62 year female with chronic myeloproliferative disorder, i.e. essential thrombocythemia. The laboratory test results for potassium concentration were 6.3 mmol/L, for platelet count 1305 x109/L and for leukocyte count 39.8 x109/L. This was due to a temporary drug withdrawal after a surgical intervention for gastric bleeding. Potassium concentration in lithium heparin plasma collected in a vacuum tube without gel separator and in whole blood syringe were 4.6 mmol/L and 3.4 mmol/L, respectively. It means that mechanical stress such as centrifugation can contribute to spurious hyperkalemia.
Prior to reporting unexpected hyperkalemia result, pseudohyperkalemia should always be considered by the laboratory. Such potassium results require investigation in case it is pseudohyperkalemia, which may be due to thrombocytosis and leukocytosis. In cases where thrombocytosis or leukocytosis exists, an interpretative comment indicating these conditions inserted with the results of the potassium concentration can increase awareness for more accurate patient care decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Šálek
- Department of biomedical sciences, Medical Faculty of the University of Ostrava, Ostrava - Zábřeh, Czech Republic.,Department of Clinical biochemistry and pharmacology, Tomas Bata hospital in Zlín, Zlín, Czech Republic
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