What does this research mean for the field?

Prolonged storage of blood samples at low temperatures significantly increases measured potassium concentrations, leading to spurious hyperkalemia without hemolysis. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To identify the cause of spurious hyperkalemia without hemolysis in a routine clinical case and assess the impact of refrigerated storage duration on potassium concentration.

August 23, 2026DiagnosticsOpen Access

Spurious Hyperkalemia Without Hemolysis: A Case-Based Presentation of Preanalytical Errors and Diagnostic Pitfalls

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To identify the cause of spurious hyperkalemia without hemolysis in a routine clinical case and assess the impact of refrigerated storage duration on potassium concentration.
Investigated an unexpected hyperkalemia result (6.4 mmol/L) in a 63-year-old male via medical record review and preanalytical workflow audits.
Quantified potassium concentration changes in blood samples subjected to low-temperature storage across 4-hour and 8-hour intervals.
A repeat blood sample drawn the following day showed a potassium concentration 1.3 mmol/L (20%) lower than the refrigerated sample.
Low-temperature storage increased potassium levels by an average of 5% at 4 hours and 20% at 8 hours.

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Implication

Case report reveals false hyperkalemia caused by refrigerated blood sample storage, highlighting preanalytical diagnostic pitfalls.

Cite This Study

Umińska et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8aadf37677a3411444677d https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16162676

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Spurious Hyperkalemia Without Hemolysis: A Case-Based Presentation of Preanalytical Errors and Diagnostic Pitfalls

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

Spurious Hyperkalemia Without Hemolysis: A Case-Based Presentation of Preanalytical Errors and Diagnostic Pitfalls

Key Points

Discussion

Implication

Cite This Study

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