An elevated potassium in a hemolyzed specimen is classified as:

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An elevated potassium level in a hemolyzed specimen is considered a preanalytical error as it is caused by factors such as improper handling or processing of the specimen, leading to hemolysis and release of potassium from red blood cells. It is not an analytical error caused by equipment, reagents or calibration, nor a postanalytical error related to reporting of results. It is also not a random error, which refers to fluctuations in measurement due to chance and can affect both the mean and the variance.

An Elevated Potassium in a Hemolyzed Specimen Is Classified As