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Questions and Answers
Which specimen is preferred for potassium analysis to avoid spurious hyperkalemia due to elevated platelet counts?
Which specimen is preferred for potassium analysis to avoid spurious hyperkalemia due to elevated platelet counts?
What is the anticoagulant of choice for potassium determination?
What is the anticoagulant of choice for potassium determination?
What type of specimen collection is necessary to account for diurnal variation in urine analyses?
What type of specimen collection is necessary to account for diurnal variation in urine analyses?
What can significantly affect potassium levels in serum and plasma samples?
What can significantly affect potassium levels in serum and plasma samples?
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Which statement about potassium levels in serum and plasma is correct?
Which statement about potassium levels in serum and plasma is correct?
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Study Notes
Potassium Determination: Specimen Requirements
- Serum, plasma, and urine are acceptable specimens for potassium analysis.
- Hemolysis must be avoided as red blood cells (erythrocytes) have a high potassium content.
- Heparin is the preferred anticoagulant.
- Serum and plasma potassium levels are generally similar, but serum reference ranges are often slightly higher.
- High platelet counts can cause spurious hyperkalemia (falsely high potassium levels) during clotting due to cell rupture. In such cases, plasma is the better choice.
- Whole blood samples can be used with some analyzers; consult the instrument's manual for compatibility.
- Urine samples should be collected over 24 hours to minimize the impact of daily variations in potassium levels.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the specimen requirements for potassium analysis. This quiz covers the proper handling of serum, plasma, and urine samples, as well as factors affecting potassium measurement accuracy. Explore the details about sample collection and anticoagulant preferences.
