springmama Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 My Dr. called today with the result of Friday's blood test. He said my potassium level is elevated and asked me to come today to retake the test to see if it could possibly be a lab error. I am clueless and asked if tomorrow would be okay and they told me to come in the morning. Am I supposed to be worried about this? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slartibartfast Posted August 9, 2011 Share Posted August 9, 2011 It can be related to kidney issues. I would not be worried. There can be all sorts of issues with the lab. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest IdahoMtnMom Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 I know that elevated potassium can stem from kidney issues... in that of the output of the kidneys is low (i.e., not peeing a lot) potassium can be retained. I know know that servely elevated potassium can cause abormally low heart rates in some people, but certainly not all. I am on a "water pill" that causes potassium to be stripped from my kidney's and therefore I am also on a massive amount of prescription potassium to offset it... without it, my heart rate goes Tachycardiac (dangerously high)... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amber in AUS Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 My DH has previously had a false high potassium level. His blood was taken on a Friday and wasn't tested in the lab until sometime on the Monday. Apparently the delay in testing can cause a false reading. He retook the test and it was fine. I wouldn't be worried at this point but certainly retake the test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
staceyobu Posted August 10, 2011 Share Posted August 10, 2011 It's usually lab error. It's happened to me twice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
springmama Posted August 10, 2011 Author Share Posted August 10, 2011 Good! I don't feel like I should be worried, but began to second guess myself. Hopefully the next test will prove that my instincts are right and that I'm just fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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