ABSTRACT
Pseudo-hyponatraemia can occur in patients with hyperlipidaemia (I) or hyperproteinaemia. In such states, lipids and proteins will occupy a high proportion of the total serum volume. Although the sodium concentration in serum water is in fact normal, a lower sodium concentration will be detected due to dilution by increased lipids and protein molecules. As a consequence, there is an apparent hyponatraemia. A spurious result due to the sample being taken from the drip arm can also cause pseudo-hyponatraemia.
