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Article: Investigating elevated potassium values.(CLINICAL ISSUES)(Pseudohyperkalemia )
- Article from:
- Medical Laboratory Observer
- Article date:
- November 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Nelson Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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One of the most frequently asked questions regarding phlebotomy is, why are the potassiums high? The answer involves a variety of factors, which can have a significant impact on the care of a patient. When an abnormally high value exists, it frequently sets off a train of investigations looking for such severe diseases as:
* renal failure;
* adrenocortical hypofunction; and
* diabetes.
A falsely elevated potassium value (pseudohyperkalemia) discovered in a pre-surgical work-up can unnecessarily delay surgery and result in additional time in the hospital. Conversely, pseudohyperkalemia can elevate an abnormally low potassium, masking a ...