PBS and Hyperkalemia

absolute count

more informative than the relative count

• number of specific WBC type per mm³ of blood

shift to the left

presence of immature granulocytes in the diff count

shift to the right

increased number of hypersegmented neutrophils

pseudohyperkalemia

increase in potassium concentration only in the local blood vessels or in vitro and has no physiologic consequences

thrombocytosis

causes pseudohyperkalemia through potassium release from the platelets and white blood cells during blood clotting

hyperkalemia

excess potassium levels in the circulation

tourniquet with first exercise

can increase the serum potassium level by as much as 1mmo/L

pink serum

in vitro hemolysis

hyperkalemia and hypocalcemia in one sample

contamination of blood samples wither by IV fluid or EDTA

chloride, potassium, and glucose, sodium

could drastically elevate if IV fluid is introduced in the sample