Causes and Prevention of Hemolysis: Understanding the Impact on Lab Test Accuracy

Summary

• Hemolyzed samples can occur when red blood cells break open and release their contents into the sample.
• Hemolysis can affect the accuracy of lab Test Results and lead to incorrect diagnoses and treatment plans.
• There are several factors that can cause hemolysis, including rough handling of samples, incorrect storage conditions, and certain medical conditions.

What are hemolyzed samples?

Hemolyzed samples refer to blood samples in which red blood cells have ruptured, releasing their contents into the surrounding plasma or serum. This can occur during Venipuncture or sample processing, and it can affect the accuracy of lab Test Results. Hemolysis can lead to incorrect diagnoses and treatment plans, so it is important for Healthcare Providers to be aware of the causes and prevention methods for hemolysis.

Causes of hemolysis

There are several factors that can cause hemolysis in blood samples, including:

1. Improper Venipuncture technique: Rough handling of samples during blood collection can damage red blood cells and lead to hemolysis.
2. Incorrect storage conditions: Exposure to extreme temperatures or agitation during transport or storage can cause red blood cells to lyse.
3. Use of inappropriate collection tubes: Some anticoagulants or additives in collection tubes can cause hemolysis if not properly mixed or if the tubes are expired.
4. Presence of hemolytic conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hemolytic anemia or malaria, can cause red blood cells to break down more easily, leading to hemolysis in blood samples.
5. Interference from medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics or chemotherapeutic drugs, can cause hemolysis when present in the blood sample.

Effects of hemolysis on lab tests

Hemolysis can interfere with the accuracy of lab Test Results in several ways:

1. Interference with analyte measurements: Hemolyzed samples can affect the measurement of various analytes, such as potassium, LDH, and bilirubin, leading to falsely elevated or decreased results.
2. Interference with spectrophotometric assays: Hemoglobin released from lysed red blood cells can absorb light at specific wavelengths, interfering with spectrophotometric assays and causing inaccuracies in Test Results.
3. Increased plasma or serum turbidity: Hemolyzed samples often appear pink or red in color due to the presence of free hemoglobin, which can make it difficult to read Test Results accurately.
4. Compromised Sample Integrity: Hemolysis can alter the composition of the sample, making it unsuitable for certain tests or requiring additional retesting to obtain accurate results.

Preventing hemolysis

Healthcare Providers can take several steps to prevent hemolysis and ensure the accuracy of lab Test Results:

1. Use proper Venipuncture technique: Ensure that blood samples are collected gently and without excessive force to prevent damage to red blood cells.
2. Follow proper Sample Handling procedures: Store samples at the correct temperature and avoid agitation during transport to prevent hemolysis.
3. Use appropriate collection tubes: Select collection tubes with the appropriate anticoagulants and additives for the tests being performed, and ensure that they are not expired.
4. Educate patients about hemolysis: Inform patients of the importance of proper sample collection and handling to prevent hemolysis and ensure accurate Test Results.

By understanding the causes of hemolysis and taking steps to prevent it, Healthcare Providers can improve the quality and accuracy of lab Test Results, leading to better patient outcomes and treatment decisions.

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