[Erroneous diagnosis of lithium poisoning due to use of lithium-heparin bloodletting tubes].
In two male patients, aged 53 and 21 years, lithium intoxication was suspected. The diagnosis was apparently confirmed by blood testing (the lithium concentrations amounted to 3.68 and 1.82 mmol/l, respectively). Retrospectively however it was found that blood sampling tubes with lithium-heparin as the anticoagulant had been used. No lithium intoxication was present in the patients. Clear instructions in writing are necessary to prevent this error.
Afd. Klinische Farmacie, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Nijmegen.
E
E
Frankfort
P J
PJ
van den Bergh
J P
JP
Drenth
Y A
YA
Hekster
T
T
van der Werf
J L
JL
Willems
D000328:Adult; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000494:pharmacology; D001815:Bloodletting / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D008094:Lithium / Q000097:blood* / Q000506:poisoning*; D016651:Lithium Carbonate / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000925:Anticoagulants; D016651:Lithium Carbonate; D008094:Lithium
Onterechte diagnose 'lithiumintoxicatie' door gebruik van bloedafnamebuizen met lithium-heparine.