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Thrombocytosis and hyperkalemia revisited
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610.
The American Journal of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
|January 1, 1989
Summary
Factitious hyperkalemia can arise from laboratory methods. Elevated serum potassium may be falsely indicated in thrombocytosis due to platelet activation releasing potassium during clotting.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Hyperkalemia is a critical clinical concern requiring accurate etiological diagnosis.
- Factitious hyperkalemia, often overlooked, can stem from laboratory procedures.
Observation:
- Platelet activation during serum clot formation releases potassium.
- This leads to higher potassium levels in serum compared to plasma.
Findings:
- A significant potassium discrepancy between serum and plasma was observed.
- This discrepancy is most pronounced in patients with thrombocytosis (elevated platelet counts).
Implications:
- Measuring plasma potassium is recommended when serum potassium is elevated without a clear cause, especially in thrombocytosis patients.
- This aids in distinguishing true hyperkalemia from laboratory artifact.