Which demographic factors can influence the incidence of hemolysis in blood samples?

Demographic factors such as age and gender can significantly influence the incidence of hemolysis in blood samples. Age affects hemolysis, as infants and young children may have different blood cell characteristics compared to older adults, which can lead to variations in fragility and susceptibility to hemolysis. For example, newborns often have higher levels of fetal hemoglobin, making their red blood cells less durable in certain situations.

Gender can also play a role, as biological differences between males and females, including variations in blood volume, hormone levels, and overall physical health, can impact the stability of red blood cells during sample collection and processing. Hormonal influences can affect red blood cell production and lifespan, contributing to different rates of hemolysis observed in male and female subjects.

Understanding these demographic influences assists medical technologists in anticipating and interpreting results more accurately, leading to better patient care. The other factors listed, while they may have some indirect effects on blood integrity, are less directly correlated to the physiological properties of blood as age and gender.