The Effect of Hemolyzed Samples on Laboratory Test Results
Asmaa A, DHA Medical Laboratory Technologis at Al-Ahrar International Hospital, shared a post on LinkedIn:
”The Effect of Hemolyzed Samples on Laboratory Test Results
When hemolysis occurs that’s when red blood cells break down and release their contents into the serum or plasma it can seriously affect test results in different sections of the lab.
Clinical Chemistry:
• Potassium (K⁺) Falsely increased ↑
• LDH, AST, ALT Elevated ↑
• CK, Iron, Phosphate Affected may increase ↑
• Colorimetric tests Interference due to hemoglobin pigment
Hematology:
• RBC, Hb, HCT ↓ Decreased due to red cell destruction
• MCHC Falsely increased (hemoglobin released into plasma) ↑
• MCV Usually unaffected or minimal change
• Platelet count May appear higher due to RBC fragments can be miscounted as platelets. ↑
Coagulation (Hemostasis):
• PT, aPTT Falsely shortened ↓
• Interferes with fibrinogen measurement.
Always reject severely hemolyzed samples and ask for a new one it’s not just a lab rule, it’s about patient safety!”
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