Familial pseudohyperkalaemia (FP) is a red cell disorder characterised by altered permeability of the red cell membrane. This is an asymptomatic condition which causes increased leakage of potassium from red cells when stored at refrigerated temperatures. High levels of potassium in stored red cell units are a particular risk for transfusion recipients less than one year of age.
The most common FP variant affects about 1 in 400 of the UK donor population (although it is less common in donors from non-European ethnic groups).
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