Which laboratory test is most likely to be affected by hemolysis?

Hemolysis can significantly impact the results of a complete blood count (CBC) because the test involves measuring various components of blood, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When hemolysis occurs, it disrupts the integrity of red blood cells, causing the release of hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the plasma. This can lead to elevated values for hemoglobin or hematocrit in the CBC, skewing the results and making it difficult for healthcare providers to accurately assess a patient's health.

In the case of liver function tests, lipid panels, and electrolyte analyses, while hemolysis can affect the results to some degree, the impact is usually less pronounced. For example, liver function tests primarily measure enzymes and bilirubin levels, and while hemolysis might increase bilirubin levels, it is not as affected as the parameters in a CBC. Similarly, lipid panels and electrolyte analyses are relatively stable against hemolysis, though there may be some changes in potassium levels due to leaching of potassium from the red blood cells, it does not pose the same level of interference as seen with a CBC.

Overall, the complete blood count is the laboratory test most susceptible to changes caused by hemolysis, making it crucial for