One of the most frequently asked questions regarding phlebotomy is, why are the potassiums high? The answer involves a variety of factors, which can have a significant impact on the care of a patient. When an abnormally high value exists, it frequently sets off a train of investigations looking for such severe diseases as:

* renal failure;

* adrenocortical hypofunction; and

* diabetes.

A falsely elevated potassium value (pseudohyperkalemia) discovered in a pre-surgical work-up can unnecessarily delay surgery and result in additional time ...

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