Improper handling of a blood sample after collection may result in which condition?

Improper handling of a blood sample after collection may result in which condition?

• A. Leukocytosis
• B. Lipemia
• C. Hemolysis
• D. Icterus

Answer: (C)

Improper handling of a blood sample after collection most often leads to hemolysis, the rupture of red blood cells. When cells are subjected to rough handling—such as vigorous shaking, vigorous mixing, excessive force during drawing, or exposure to extreme temperatures—the cell membranes break. The contents spill into the plasma, and the sample’s plasma can appear pink or red. This interference can skew many lab results, notably causing falsely elevated potassium and certain enzymes, which can lead to incorrect interpretations if the sample is treated as normal. Leukocytosis reflects an elevated white blood cell count from infection, stress, or disease and isn’t caused by handling of the sample. Lipemia, a milky appearance from high fat content, and icterus, a yellow color from bilirubin, relate more to the patient’s physiology or dietary/metabolic status rather than how the sample was handled after collection.

Improper handling of a blood sample after collection most often leads to hemolysis, the rupture of red blood cells. When cells are subjected to rough handling—such as vigorous shaking, vigorous mixing, excessive force during drawing, or exposure to extreme temperatures—the cell membranes break. The contents spill into the plasma, and the sample’s plasma can appear pink or red. This interference can skew many lab results, notably causing falsely elevated potassium and certain enzymes, which can lead to incorrect interpretations if the sample is treated as normal.

Leukocytosis reflects an elevated white blood cell count from infection, stress, or disease and isn’t caused by handling of the sample. Lipemia, a milky appearance from high fat content, and icterus, a yellow color from bilirubin, relate more to the patient’s physiology or dietary/metabolic status rather than how the sample was handled after collection.