Spurious Results in Mineral and Electrolyte Analysis

Abstract

Assessment of health status and the course of treatment of patients are often determined by results obtained from analysis of blood parameters. Errors in results can occur and cause inappropriate interpretation of laboratory data and, therefore, disease states. Electrolytes and minerals are particularly prone to spurious results; therefore, it is critical that factors influencing inappropriate resulting be recognized, and steps taken to minimize them.

Keywords: Analytical error; Artifact; Electrolyte; Mineral; Spurious.