Poor knowledge and faulty thinking regarding hemolysis and potassium elevation.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Biochemistry
• Laboratory Medicine
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Hemolysis is a common issue in blood sample collection.
• Elevated potassium levels due to hemolysis can mimic serious medical conditions.
• Accurate interpretation of potassium levels requires understanding pre-analytical variables.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the knowledge of healthcare staff regarding potassium (K) measurement interference from hemolysis.
• To evaluate the accuracy of estimated potassium adjustments for different hemolysis grades.
• To identify potential gaps in understanding that could impact clinical decision-making.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to 132 medical technologists, physicians, and nurses.
• Participants estimated potassium concentrations in samples with varying hemolysis grades (mild, moderate, severe).
• Adjustment values were calculated to quantify discrepancies between estimated and actual potassium levels.

Main Results:

• The mean correct score was low (1.7/12), indicating widespread knowledge deficits.
• Staff consistently overestimated the impact of hemolysis on potassium results.
• Calculated adjustment values were significantly higher than the correct values across all hemolysis grades.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare staff demonstrate poor understanding of hemolysis effects on serum potassium.
• Incorrect adjustment approaches can lead to diagnostic delays or misdiagnoses.
• Laboratories must enhance educational efforts and reporting practices to address these knowledge gaps.