The American journal of medicine
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Hyperkalemia is a potentially fatal complication requiring prompt diagnosis and management. However, pseudohyperkalemia, defined as an artificial rise in serum potassium (Sk), is also an important diagnosis because management differs. ⋯ In this review, we will discuss the major causes of pseudohyperkalemia, how to avoid certain diagnostic pitfalls, and comment on the clinical importance of recognizing these false readings. We will review three clinical cases seen in our nephrology and hypertension clinic that illustrate some of these problems.