A discordant electrolyte sample
A laboratory receives a serum specimen with an unexpectedly very high potassium and a very low calcium. The clinical team reports no corresponding symptoms, but the results could still be urgent if real. The collection history is incomplete, and another tube from the same patient contains potassium EDTA. A staff member proposes deleting the abnormal values as obvious contamination. Another wants to release them without comment because the analyzer control passed. The technologist must protect the patient, preserve the original record and investigate the specimen using the actual local procedure. The case supplies no authority to diagnose contamination solely from a pattern or to delay urgent communication when the patient may be at risk.
1. What should be investigated?
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Verify identity, collection and possible EDTA carryover or other contamination, assess sample integrity and coordinate suitable repeat collection or confirmation through the actual process.
2. How should urgency and documentation be handled?
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Communicate the potentially important discrepancy appropriately, preserve original findings and record the investigation and final reporting decision. Passing analytical controls do not validate specimen identity or collection quality.