Distinguishing Between Pseudohyperkalemia and Hyperkalemia in a Patient with Elevated Leukocytosis

Document Type

Conference Proceeding - Restricted Access

Publication Date

5-9-2025

Abstract

Hyperkalemia (HK), with serum potassium (K+) levels ≥ 6.5 mEq/L, requires immediate medical intervention as it can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias. Meanwhile, pseudohyperkalemia (PHK) is defined as a laboratory artifact wherein the measured K+ is higher than the actual serum K+, typically due to K+ movement out of the cells due to phlebotomy technique. However, there is evidence to suggest that leukocytosis can also cause PHK. This case exemplifies the challenges of interpreting serum K+ values in leukocytosis and provides the opportunity to better understand the workup and treatment of HK.

Comments

2025 Research Day Corewell Health West, Grand Rapids, MI, May 9, 2025. Abstract 1745

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