ABPath Chemical Pathology Practice Questions - American Board Of Pathology Chemical Pathology Subspecialty Certification Examination Exam

A specimen collected for potassium testing was stored in EDTA tube. Result is 2.1 mEq/L. Interpretation?

True hypokalemia Contamination/pseudohypokalemia — EDTA binds potassium, but more likely issue is contamination of sample with EDTA or sample from EDTA tube causing falsely LOW K+. Recollect in appropriate tube (red/SST for chemistry) Normal potassium Hyperkalemia

Correct Answer:

Contamination/pseudohypokalemia — EDTA binds potassium, but more likely issue is contamination of sample with EDTA or sample from EDTA tube causing falsely LOW K+. Recollect in appropriate tube (red/SST for chemistry)

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