What is the most common laboratory interference in patients with thiocyanate toxicity?
Pseudohyperchloremia, especially as measured by ion selective electrodes. In the cited reference, chloride values were repeatedly elevated (113–148 mmol/L) or not reported due to instrument error flags, including “above measurement range” (reported in the medical record as “>350 mmol/L”). Other laboratory interferences can include falsely decreased iCa, falsely lowered whole blood potassium, false salicylate levels when measured using the Trinder method (does not appear to occur with more specific enzymatic methods)
C. James Watson, Daniel L. Overbeek, Gabriella Allegri-Machado, Mark D. Kellogg, Al Patterson, J. Brian McAlvin & Michele M. Burns (2022) Thiocyanate toxicity: a teaching case, Clinical Toxicology, 60:7, 876-881, DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2022.2042012