Raised Potassium

[ParsnipSoup]

I had bloods taken last week for nothing specific, fbc, thyroid function etc. I didn’t take much notice of what was requested . On Tuesday I had a call from my GP Surgery to collect a request form for an urgent blood test which I am having today . This is for Renal Profile as Potassium is raised . Is this a common effect of taking Prednisolone ?

[herdysheep]

I had one of those panic inducing calls once. Transpires something in the blood had broken down, possibly in transport to the lab. Can also happen if you rub your arm to warm it up before blood was taken. Hopefully that's what it is for you.

[ParsnipSoup in reply to herdysheep]

Thank you

[xsifter15 in reply to herdysheep]

I had similar call. It appears if the sample sits too long; delay in delivery to lab for example, this can cause a high reading. My follow up test was fine.

[SnazzyD]

What dose are you on? Are you taking low sodium salt in food? Was the tourniquet very tight? Another test will tell if it’s a blip.

[ParsnipSoup in reply to SnazzyD]

I don’t add any salt to my food especially not low sodium salt.

I am currently taking 10mg Prednisolone.

It wasn’t just a test for potassium , the renal profile was just one of several others which were presumably ok as no request for repeat.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Not really - pred is more likley to deplete potassium. But there are all sorts of reasons for potassium being raised, usually something like the blood sample sitting at room temp for more than a couple of hours before being processed - or even it rattling around or being jolted on the way to the lab. And poor technique taking it.However - when it is raised above normal range it can cause problems and non-mechanical reasons for that elevation ruled out. At least it was noted and they are checking.

[ParsnipSoup in reply to PMRpro]

The blood sample couldn’t been Haemolized as there were several other things tested including the Renal Profile which showed the raised potassium which were ok.

I daresay it will be ok after today’s appointment. Good to know it was picked up and being monitored.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to ParsnipSoup]

When I said haemolysed - I don't mean frankly RED. Just having the blood standing means that potassium leaks out of the red blood cells and raises the level in the plasma/serum which is what is used to do the test. Same applies for dropping or shaking it. Other things aren't as sensitive so the result is acceptable.

[ParsnipSoup in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you for the explanation.

[SnazzyD in reply to ParsnipSoup]

The potassium test is taken from the same tube as the renal test. Not everything being tested from that tube is affected by the blood being haemolysed. Potassium can be easily altered, even my too tight a tourniquet we were told by the phlebotomy dept.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

Thought that was calcium ...

[SnazzyD in reply to PMRpro]

That too. Appears quite a lot can influence potassium ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl...

[ParsnipSoup in reply to SnazzyD]

Goodness !

I will see what the results of today’s Renal Function is.

[SnazzyD in reply to ParsnipSoup]

That’s all you can do but you know, if you post a question, you’re not likely to get a simple reply most of the time! 🙂

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SnazzyD]

I know that - didn't know the tourniquet did though I did know bad technique can.

[ParsnipSoup in reply to SnazzyD]

Thank you

[ParsnipSoup in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[Broseley]

I once had a high potassium result, before PMR started. My GP at the time had advised me to take multivitamins to up my vitamin D. It transpired that the multivitamins had a high dose of potassium in. I stopped taking them and my levels went back to normal.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Broseley]

Why on earth would you tell someone to take a MULTIVITAMIN to raise one specific level? That's half the problem - you end up raising other things and sometimes to dangerous levels. If you need more vit D - take vit D supplements!

[Broseley in reply to PMRpro]

I find medics really ignorant about supplements in general. My rheumy was not in the slightest bit interested in the list of supplements I take. Apart from the vitamin D and calcium.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Broseley]

He'd have to admit he hadn't a clue ...

[Broseley in reply to PMRpro]

🤣🤣

[ParsnipSoup in reply to Broseley]

Interesting fact .