Tuesday April 3, 2007
Endotrol

Q: What is that ring on ETT (endotracheal tube) ?

A; Endotrol (trade name) is a modification of regular ETT with a ring attached at the proximal end. While intubating, pulling the ring makes distal tip goes anterior and help ETT in directing towards vocal cord. It is said to be helpful in hardly visualize vocal cords, in difficult intubations and in blind nasal intubations.

Related previous pearls:

The GlideScope, Airtraq, Light Wand and How many attempts to intubate?

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.