Belgium
A 19-year-old male asked:
I got blood work done and potassium was 6.2, i also got an ekg and a heart ultrasound (later that day) and these were totally normal except for sinus tachycardia of anxiety inducing origin. does this mean potassium was a false high?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Gurmukh Singhanswered
Pathology 51 years experience
Depends: Potassium is a finicky chemical. The result is likely correct, however, if you clench you fist before getting blood drawn it can raise potassium. If the red blood cells get damaged during blood collection, that will raise potassium. This is what lab people call pre-analytical issues.
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37 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 7, 2020
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