LQCL2303 - CMLE - A CASE OF POTASSIUM RESULT DISCREPANCIES-A CASE OF POTASSIUM RESULT DISCREPANCIES

A CASE OF POTASSIUM RESULT DISCREPANCIES

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The document discusses a case involving elevated potassium levels in outpatients and the investigation to identify the source of discrepancies between central and in-hospital laboratory results. The study identified preanalytic errors, such as compromised sample integrity due to improper centrifugation and differences in rotor types. Centrifugation speed, expressed in RPM or RCF, affects specimen integrity. Further analysis revealed serum and plasma differences in potassium levels, with serum levels consistently higher due to platelet release during clotting. The study also highlighted pseudohyperkalemia causes like hemolysis and delayed centrifugation. Recommendations included using swing-bucket rotors, applying correct centrifuge speed, and educating staff on preanalytic errors. Understanding the impact of errors on patient care is crucial in providing accurate laboratory results. The summary emphasizes the importance of addressing preanalytic errors to ensure quality testing processes and emphasizes that identified errors can impact patient outcomes significantly.

Keywords

elevated potassium levels

outpatients

central laboratory results

in-hospital laboratory results

preanalytic errors

sample integrity

centrifugation speed

serum potassium levels

plasma potassium levels

pseudohyperkalemia causes