Blood values Serum/Whole blood
April 24, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Hendrik Bernau
Dear expert,
Is the full blood analysis or the serum analysis more informative for electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, calcium, iron, selenium,...? The values were taken with a 2-day difference in my case. Potassium was within the normal range in the serum, but below the norm in the full blood. How can this happen? All electrolytes were below the norm or in the lower normal range, except for calcium which was above the norm.
What could be the cause of this? Unfortunately, the cause was not investigated, only counteracted with infusions. Who can I turn to for further assistance?
Thank you for your support!
Dear questioner,
I would like to start by giving you a definition of both processes:
Blood is generally divided into a cellular component and a liquid component. The liquid, cell-free part is called "blood plasma" (or as you call it, "whole blood") and accounts for about 50-59% (in men) or 54-73% (in women). Unlike blood serum, blood plasma still contains all coagulation factors.
Incorrectly low potassium levels can, for example, be measured when a high number of leukocytes (white blood cells) are present in the blood sample. These cells absorb potassium from the blood plasma, which could be a possible explanation.
The combination of values you have described could indicate the long-term use of diuretics, such as those found in diuretic teas or as a chemically-synthetic alternative in various medications for the treatment of heart failure, kidney failure, or high blood pressure. If you have such an indication, this could be a possible explanation.
I recommend discussing possible causes (potentially mentioned here) with your treating physician.
I hope I have been able to help you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to me at any time.
Wishing you good health.
Best regards,
Dr. med. - anonymized -
