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The following is a summary of “Pneumatic tube transport-induced pseudohyperkalemia in patients with extreme leukocytosis: a retrospective study from a single medical center,” published in the September 2024 issue of Hematology by Tseng et al.
Pneumatic tube transportation may increase the risk of pseudohyperkalemia. Comprehensive research on this topic is limited.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to analyze the association between WBC levels, pneumatic tube transport, and pseudohyperkalemia prevalence.
They analyzed 1,188 samples from 240 patients collected between 2019 and 2022. Samples with elevated WBC counts (≥ 100 × 103/μL) and potassium levels were included. Specimen transportation method was documented.
The results showed pseudohyperkalemia in 7 of 390 specimens transported via pneumatic tubes, while none was observed in manually transported specimens (0/132). Every 100 × 103/μL increase in WBC count multiplied by the odds ratio of pseudohyperkalemia by 3.75 with pneumatic tube transport. Pseudohyperkalemia prevalence increased with WBC count, particularly above 200 × 103/μL.
The study concluded pneumatic tube transport posed a risk for pseudohyperkalemia in patients with extreme leukocytosis. They recommended manual transportation, redrawing blood samples, or point-of-care testing to prevent misdiagnosis.
Source: link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12185-024-03852-7
