[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.
Frankfort
E
E
Afd. Klinische Farmacie, Academisch Ziekenhuis, Nijmegen.
van den Bergh
P J
PJ
Drenth
J P
JP
Hekster
Y A
YA
van der Werf
T
T
Willems
J L
JL
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.