Sunday April 1, 2007
Pseudo-hypokalemia

Pseudo-hypokalemia is usually seen with very high WBC count, when the drawn sample is allowed to sit at room temperature for longer period of time. It happens due to uptake of plasma potassium by high leukocytes in the sample.

If Pseudo-hypokalemia is suspected, real potassium level can be measured by sending specimen quickly to the lab, and requesting to measure potassium level in separated plasma or serum.