What can a hemolyzed blood sample potentially affect?

A hemolyzed blood sample can significantly impact test results. Hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells, releases intracellular components into the plasma, leading to alterations in the sample's composition. This can cause interference with various laboratory assays, resulting in inaccurate measurements of analytes such as electrolytes, enzymes, and some proteins. For instance, elevated potassium levels may be falsely reported due to the release from the red blood cells, leading to potentially misleading clinical decisions.

Other tests may also see fluctuations in their results due to hemolysis. It’s essential for laboratory personnel to recognize the implications of hemolysis on test outcomes, as this can affect diagnosis and treatment plans for patients.

While hemolysis can subtly affect other areas, such as blood type determination and oxygen saturation measurements, the most pronounced effect is on the overall test results, making this the primary area of concern when dealing with hemolyzed samples.