CLL and Pseudohyperkalimia?: Does anyone know... - CLL Support

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CLL and Pseudohyperkalimia?

NPMK profile image
NPMK
9 Replies

Does anyone know about this? My doctor asked me to retake a blood test because my potassium is elevated. I need to get cleared for my other cancer surgery :( Having a lumpectomy on Thursday if I am cleared. I have been reading that CLL patients can have artificially elevated potassium. Anyone know about this? Thank you!

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NPMK
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9 Replies
Cllcanada profile image
CllcanadaTop Poster CURE Hero

Poor blood draw... as I recall... can raise levels...

NPMK profile image
NPMK in reply to Cllcanada

Okay, thanks!

Softpretzel77 profile image
Softpretzel77

Could be elevated by delayed testing or poor draw, might retest as "stat" so they test quicker.

bkoffman profile image
bkoffmanCLL CURE Hero

Potassium is a predominately an intracellular ion, but it can be released in excess when red cells are lysed and spill their contents into the serum. This can happen with a poor blood draw or blood storage as others are mentioned . Usually it's back to normal with a recheck.

venk_46 profile image
venk_46

I also had same problem of high potassium in my blood sample. my doctor told me that this may be a wrong reading and suggested for a re take . I understand that the ruptured cells leak potassium in the sample blood of CLL patients.

The next sample is ok

Loulou46 profile image
Loulou46

Certain drugs make it look like you have high potassium. They have do a special test to get the right count. I think it's called protein potassium test

NoClew profile image
NoClew

This is something important that all of us should be aware of. An ER doc was preparing to shock me with insulin when the lab reported that my potassium was dangerously high. Luckily I was able to convince them to redraw with special handling before taking drastic measures.

288kingstreet profile image
288kingstreet in reply to NoClew

After a ruptured apendix I had the opposite, dangerously low potassium and had to throw back a couple of shots on liquid potassium? Asking what I wanted for a chaser as "it was supposed to taste sooo bad" , I answered, it dosn't matter what anything tastes like, I just want to feel better☺ Down the hatch it went, no chasers😊

For whatever the reason for too high or as in the other posts of too low levels of potassium I think we all need to expect an answer from our Doctors - if they care to take the time out to tell us is another question.

💞to and for all.

sam-sam profile image
sam-sam

Got a similar phonecall on a Friday, had to rush off to A&E (1.5hr drive) for retest, after 4 hrs wait heard all o.k. it was most likely due to bad transport... This on the day before going on holiday.......

Good luck, Betty.

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