Q: Which lab test best describe to suspect pseudohyperkalemia

A) platelets (>500,000/mm³), leukocytes (> 50 000/mm³), or erythrocytes (hematocrit > 55%)

B) platelets (>300,000/mm³), leukocytes (> 70 000/mm³), or erythrocytes (hematocrit > 55%)

C) platelets (>500,000/mm³), leukocytes (> 70 000/mm³), or erythrocytes (hematocrit > 55%)

D) platelets (>500,000/mm³), leukocytes (> 70 000/mm³), or erythrocytes (hematocrit > 48%)

E) platelets (>300,000/mm³), leukocytes (> 40 000/mm³), or erythrocytes (hematocrit > 45%)

 

Answer:   C

Some of the common reasons of Pseudohyperkalemia are

• hemolysis during venipuncture
• a delay in the processing of the specimen. 
• Thrombocytosis (>500,000/mm³)
• Leukocytosis (> 70 000/mm³)
• Erythrocytosis (hematocrit > 55%)