Sample quality in hot weather – potential for pseudohypokalaemia

Updated on Wednesday, 10 April 2024, 29 views

We would advise practices that if there is a centrifuge available in the practice that all serum samples (particularly those requiring electrolyte measurements) are centrifuged before transport to lab, allowing at least 10 minutes for tubes to clot before centrifugation.

In warm weather, increased activity of the Na-K ATPase causes a shift of potassium from the serum into the red cells resulting in pseudohypokalaemia

If practices are considering acquiring a centrifuge, please contact lab for advice if needed.

Dr David James MD FRCPath

CMO SYNLAB UK & Ireland

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