Unexpected Effect of Hemodialysis on Plasma Phosphate Changes Occurring during Incubation of Whole Blood

To the Editor: We have recently confirmed the observation of Carothers et al.1 that the inorganic phosphate concentration of plasma declines with time if the plasma remains in contact with red cells. We measured phosphate concentrations in 10 adult controls (the specimen contained 25 units of heparin per milliliter of blood) in plasma separated by centrifugation for 10 minutes at 1500 rpm, immediately after blood sampling, and at the end of a three-hour incubation (at 37°C). We measured plasma inorganic phosphate without delay after separation by the method of Garcic and Kratochviva.2 The mean plasma value was 1.04±0.15 mmol. No extract is available for articles shorter than 400 words. © 1977, Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved

Studies on Cyanide and Thiocyanate in Uraemia

Cyanide and thiocyanate was measured in blood and in peritoneal lavage solution in patients with advanced or terminal renal failure. The behavior of these substances was comparable to that of normal people. Our finding does not support the hypothesis of an indirect toxicity of urea via its previous conversion to cyanate. Cyanate ion has not been implicated in the toxic status of chronic uraemia. </jats:p