Unusual blood test results can definitely be lab errors. I do a PSA test every 90 days. As part of that I get a platelet count. That platelet count for the last five years has been between 220,000 and 260,000. However, my most recent one was 36,000. A drop of about 80% and a potential sign of serious disease including leukemia, lymphoma and/or auto immune disease. I was really freaking out. My MO advised me to do another test about a week after that troubling test. This time it came back at 260,000 again. I can think of no medical reason why my platelet count would go down so far and then back up so far within a week. Other than obvious lab error. So always double check major changes in lab results. I always heard of lab errors. But I didn’t really think such a big one could occur
Schwah
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Schwah
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I can contribute another example. Once I received a DHT value that was from the outer space (1100 if I remember correctly). I knew there was an error as such values are out of question but more than this because it was on the same day report with the other tests. I already knew that DHT takes longer, usually two working days, as there are some preliminary phases the sample has to pass before entering the analyzer. I called the lab to tell them about their error. A lady tried to BS me saying that errors don't happen as everything is barcoded and such. I was firm all the way that there was an error and asked to speak to the senior lab responsible doctor who turned out to be absent then. It seems that my firmness made her contact him, so 2-3 hours later this doctor called me and admitted the error. When I asked where had they found this astronomical value of 1100, his response made my day. It was the time-stamp, printed by the analyzer, for the tests of that day.
PSA increased ~ 25%. Test done on a Monday. Same lab did a retest Friday. The result was my norm. I didn't ride a bicycle, have sex or lift heavy either.
A friend's PSA result was even more concerning to him. His results were 14! I advised him to get retested. Within 24 hours he was again breathing easier.
My oncologist who is the head of the genitourinary department at his hospital has said to me that he never trusts the PSA test as it is often unreliable. Such as my PSA returning to my normal in 4 days! It is a starting tool.
Interesting below--
Men with PSA values of 2.5 ng/mL or less and Gleason 8 to 10 prostate tumors are at higher risk of death than other high-risk PCa patients.
Low-PSA, High-Grade Prostate Cancer Especially Lethal
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