Qing H Meng1, John Krahn. 1. Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Royal University Hospital, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. qing.meng@usask.ca
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the spurious high potassium results in heparin plasma. DESIGN AND METHODS: Potassium values from heparin plasma, serum, and whole blood in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were determined and compared on chemistry and blood gas analyzers. RESULTS: Potassium levels were strikingly elevated in heparin plasma compared to serum or whole blood in which the potassium levels were surprisingly normal. CONCLUSIONS: The phenomenon of reverse pseudohyperkalemia should be publicized.
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the spurious high potassium results in heparin plasma. DESIGN AND METHODS: Potassium values from heparin plasma, serum, and whole blood in a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia were determined and compared on chemistry and blood gas analyzers. RESULTS:Potassium levels were strikingly elevated in heparin plasma compared to serum or whole blood in which the potassium levels were surprisingly normal. CONCLUSIONS: The phenomenon of reverse pseudohyperkalemia should be publicized.