Effect of blood collection tubes on the incidence of artifactual hyperkalemia on patient samples from an outreach clinic.
Author(s): Babic N, Zibrat S, Gordon IO, Lee CC, Yeo KT
Publication: Clin Chim Acta, 2012, Vol. 413, Page 1454-8
PubMed ID: 22698439 PubMed Review Paper? No
Purpose of Paper
Conclusion of Paper
Studies
-
Study Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of real and simulated transport of plasma and serum on potassium levels. Courier transport took 30 min, but the duration of simulated transport was unspecified.
Summary of Findings:
Serum had on average 0.30 mmol/L higher potassium concentration than plasma, but this difference was insignificant. When plasma was subjected to simulated transport (jostling of tube) and an unspecified storage duration, average potassium levels increased by 0.20 mmol/L (p<0.0001) compared to initial levels. There was no difference between potassium levels in PST and SST specimens after courier transport. The authors also found lower potassium levels when specimens were transferred to a new tube prior to transport than when transported in the original tube, but the tube types used was unclear. The authors conclude that SST are the appropriate tube for potassium analysis at satellite sites.
Biospecimens
Preservative Types
- None (Fresh)
Diagnoses:
- Normal
- Not specified
Platform:
Analyte Technology Platform Electrolyte/Metal Clinical chemistry/auto analyzer Pre-analytical Factors:
Classification Pre-analytical Factor Value(s) Storage Storage conditions Jostling upright to simulate the transport
Prior to jostling,
Storage Specimen transport duration/condition In original PST
In new PST
Storage Between site transportation method Courier
Not transported
Biospecimen Aliquots and Components Blood and blood products Plasma
Serum