What is hemolysis and why is it a problem in blood sample collection?

Hemolysis refers to the process of red blood cells breaking down, which releases hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the surrounding plasma. When a blood sample is hemolyzed, it can lead to inaccurate test results that can significantly affect patient diagnosis and treatment.

Inaccurate test results due to hemolysis can arise from various factors. For instance, certain laboratory tests, such as those measuring potassium, can yield falsely elevated levels if red blood cell contents are released into the serum. Additionally, hemolysis can interfere with the analysis of other components, such as enzymes and proteins, distorting the true values that are critical for assessing a patient’s health.

Ensuring that blood samples are collected and handled properly is essential in minimizing hemolysis, which ultimately preserves the integrity of the sample and enhances the reliability of the laboratory analysis.