What is indicated by a hemolyzed specimen, and what is the recommended action?

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Hemolysis in a specimen means red blood cells have broken open, releasing hemoglobin and other intracellular contents into the plasma or serum. This causes the sample to appear pink or red and can artificially elevate substances like potassium and LDH, along with disturbing many other test results. Because these interferences render the results unreliable, the correct action is to reject the specimen and request a redraw to obtain a clean, non-hemolyzed sample for accurate analysis. Proceeding with testing on ahemolyzed sample can lead to erroneous results, and recollection is typically initiated to restore accuracy rather than used only if results seem abnormal.