Which signs indicate hemolysis and why do they affect test results?

Prepare for the CAMLPR Specimen Collection Competency Test. Practice with diverse question sets including multiple-choice and flashcards. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you become proficient before the exam.

Hemolysis is when red blood cells rupture, releasing hemoglobin and intracellular components into the plasma or serum. When this happens you often see pink or red-tinged plasma rather than clear, which is a visual cue that the sample is compromised. The rupture also releases potassium and LDH from inside the cells into the liquid portion, so those analytes rise above true values. Free hemoglobin can also interfere with colorimetric assays, further skewing results. This combination of a visible sign and elevated intracellular markers explains why the sample’s results are unreliable when hemolysis is present. The other options don’t match both the visual cue and the biochemical changes produced by hemolysis.