Which factor can affect lab test results?

Hemolysis of blood samples is a significant factor that can adversely affect lab test results. When blood cells are lysed, or broken down, they release hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the serum or plasma. This event can lead to several complications in laboratory testing. For instance, the presence of hemoglobin can interfere with the accuracy of tests that measure certain analytes, such as potassium, and it can also affect turbidimetric assays. Additionally, hemolysis can alter the concentration of various substances in the serum, leading to false elevations or decreases in test results.

The impact of hemolysis can depend on the extent of the rupture of cells, meaning that even mild hemolysis can obscure accurate interpretations of laboratory results. Therefore, managing blood samples carefully to avoid hemolysis is essential for ensuring the reliability and accuracy of laboratory testing.

Other factors, such as stabilizing the serum or adjusting temperature during testing, are important but do not have the same direct and potentially severe consequences that hemolysis can cause. The use of expired reagents can lead to unreliable testing results as well, but hemolysis can create immediate and profound changes in the blood sample itself, making it a critical consideration in laboratory practice.