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Omar Adwan: Correcting Lipemic Samples in CBC Using the Plasma Replacement Method
Mar 14, 2026, 19:01

Omar Adwan: Correcting Lipemic Samples in CBC Using the Plasma Replacement Method

Omar Adwan, Medical Laboratory Technologist at Modawah Lab Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

”Lipemic Plasma (CBC)

Lipemic plasma can cause a discrepancy in a Complete Blood Count (CBC), specifically leading to a situation where the Hemoglobin (Hb) and Hematocrit (Hct) values do not follow the Rule of Three.

Correction of Lipemic Samples for CBC Using Plasma Replacement

Plasma Replacement

Used for severely lipemic samples, especially when the CBC analyzer measures hemoglobin photometrically, which may falsely elevate hemoglobin values.

Principle

  • Replace the lipid-rich, turbid plasma with saline to minimize interference with hemoglobin measurement.
  • RBC, WBC, and platelet counts are minimally affected.
  • Diluting with an equalvolume of saline to the removed plasma is considered the

‘Standard Method’ in the laboratory for severely lipemic samples.

Procedure

  • Centrifuge the sample and remove the turbid, lipid-rich plasma in a volume equal to the portion of the sample to be corrected.
  • Add an equal volume of diluent (e.g., isotonic saline) to replace the removed plasma.
  • Gently mix the sample.
  • Re-run the sample on the analyzer.

Limitations

  • Must be performed carefully to avoid hemolysis during centrifugation and plasma removal.
  • Not suitable for samples with combined hemolysis and lipemia”

Omar Adwan: Correcting Lipemic Samples in CBC Using the Plasma Replacement Method

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