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Shell 1111 · Jun 25, 2008, 07:56 AM

My boyfriend recently got told he had high potassium level in his blood and now he has to have hep test. Why is this. When I have looked on internet high potassium levels relate to the kidneys not the liver?

J_9 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:07 AM

Was this a serum (blood) or urine potassium test?

J_9 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:11 AM

Did they state what kind of Hep test it would be? Possibly Hep C?

kp2171 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:24 AM

Why theyd jump to hepatitis screening from elevated potassium immediately is beyond me, but I'm not an expert in this area... just knowledgeable enough to chime in occasionally.

Had they done a liver panel yet? Why was he being tested in the first place? Any symptoms? History worth talking about?

J_9 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:28 AM

I agree KP, this is way out of the ordinary to check for hep when finding elevated K+. While looking though my diagnostic books, elevated K+ can be caused by a wide variety of things. Does your boyfriend have diabetes per chance? Addison's Disease? Is he dehydrated? What is his diet like? Does he eat a lot of salt or salt substitutes?

I can't seem to find a link between the two. Alcoholism (which would include the liver) would cause a decrease in his potassium (K+) level, as would a number of other factors that would include the liver.

Shell 1111 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

Did they state what kind of Hep test it would be? Possibly Hep C?

No it just says hepititus. He had high potassium in blood test so was wondering why he had to have hep test, also he has to go for u&e and ltf test

J_9 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:33 AM

Does he have any other health conditions?

Shell 1111 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:34 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

I agree KP, this is way out of the ordinary to check for hep when finding elevated K+. While looking though my diagnostic books, elevated K+ can be caused by a wide variety of things. Does your boyfriend have diabetes per chance? Addison's Disease? Is he dehydrated? What is his diet like? Does he eat a lot of salt or salt substitutes?

I can't seem to find a link between the two. Alcoholism (which would include the liver) would cause a decrease in his potassium (K+) level, as would a number of other factors that would include the liver.

He doesn't drink much, hasn't got diabetes. He drinks protein drinks?? By why a hep test? Why did you automatically say hep c?

J_9 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by Shell 1111

He doesn't drink much, hasn't got diabetes. He drinks protein drinks??? By why a hep test? Why did you automatically say hep c?

Hep A and Hep B are viral illnesses and are not necessarily permanent. Hep C can be gotten through shared needles (drug abusers), tattoos, sexual transmission, etc.

Protein drinks, in excess, may cause a disorder with both the kidneys and the liver.

Shell 1111 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

Hep A and Hep B are viral illnesses and are not necessarily permanent. Hep C can be gotten through shared needles (drug abusers), tattoos, sexual transmission, etc.

Protein drinks, in excess, may cause a disorder with both the kidneys and the liver.

Another question for you! Do hospitals automatically test for hiv, hep and that when pregnant?

kp2171 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by J_9

Protein drinks, in excess, may cause a disorder with both the kidneys and the liver.

Didn't know this... I knew severe exercise that tears up muscle (like a marathon) can lead to kidney failure... but still don't get why a jump to hepatitis?

Does he work in the medical field or in a hospital?

J_9 · Jun 25, 2008, 08:45 AM

Depends on where you live. But where I am, it is routine to test for Hep, HIV, Rubella immunity, etc.

So, the answer to your question is yes.

Originally Posted by kp2171

but still dont get why a jump to hepatitis?

I don't really understand that either, but it can lead to liver failure, not hepatitis, which in and of itself is a virus. Certain strains are curable, yet others are lifelong.