Dear Sally and Chris,
As you point out, erroneous potassium results are a difficult and intractable problem. The introduction of order comms for GPs identifies many samples delayed overnight but not all. Poor temperature control in the preanalytical phase undoubtedly causes many problems. The inconvenience to patients - in extreme case, resulting in an emergency visit to hospital at extraordinary times, is I believe unacceptable. It has previously been suggested that centrifuges should be provided at the collection point - this would help. The removal of electrolytes from the standard health check is I believe a much more sensible alternative. This will require discussion with GPs as to who sholuld have their electrolytes checked and when. These patients having been selected should have a morning sample with quick transport to the laboratory.
What are the criteria we would recommend our primary care colleagues to use in selecting patients for electrolyte testing?
Regards, David
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