2006-12-04 09:10:46 · 4 answers · asked by l83geno 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Diabetes
A potassium level of 18 may be caused by the rupture of red blood cells in the blood sample during or shortly after drawing the sample, which means the blood hemolyzed. The ruptured cells leak their potassium into the serum. This falsely elevates the amount of potassium in the blood sample. This can occur for a number of reasons, including using too small a needle to draw the blood, and shaking the blood tube too vigorously after the blood is inserted. It's impossible to be alive with a blood potassium level of 18.
2006-12-04 16:04:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is outrageously high for a potassium level and could even be fatal. Usually this sort of level is seen when too much potassium is taken in the form of pills.
2006-12-04 17:14:30 · answer #2 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It the potassium level 18 or even 8 mmol/L the heart would stop and the person would die.
2006-12-04 18:28:34 · answer #3 · answered by john e russo md facm faafp 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The blood would be taken from a corpse. The heart quit long ago.
2006-12-04 17:30:01 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋