The results of a serum osmolality performed by both freezing-point and vapor-pressure osmometry do not agree.A possible cause of this discrepancy would be:
A) Increased ethanol
B) Increased lipids
C) Decreased lactic acid
D) Decreased potassium

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Increased ethanol can interfere with freezing-point osmometry, leading to falsely low serum osmolality values. Vapor-pressure osmometry is not affected by ethanol. Therefore, the discrepancy between the two methods can be due to the presence of high levels of ethanol in the sample. Increased lipids, decreased lactic acid and decreased potassium would not affect the results of serum osmolality measured by both methods.

The Results of a Serum Osmolality Performed by Both Freezing-Point