Pseudohyperkalaemia with acute leukaemia: association with pneumatic tube transport of blood specimens.
Falsely elevated serum or plasma potassium level can be the result of mechanical injury to blood cells. We describe pseudohyperkalaemia caused by pneumatic tube transport of blood specimens from a patient with leukaemia. Clinicians should be aware of this possibility when interpreting the clinical significance of hyperkalaemia. In leukaemic patients, pneumatic tube transport of blood specimens for potassium analysis should be avoided.
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
Albert S W
AS
Ku
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
Robin H S
RH
Chen
Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Chai Wan, Hong Kong.
Rocky L K
RL
Law
D016477:Artifacts; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000295:instrumentation; D002648:Child; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006801:Humans; D006947:Hyperkalemia / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D054218:Precursor T-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*
Blood specimen collection; Hyperkalemia; Leukemia, myeloid, acute