What happens during hemolyzed blood collection?

During hemolyzed blood collection, red blood cells (RBCs) undergo destruction, leading to a condition where they burst and release hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid. This occurs due to various factors, such as improper handling of the blood sample, vigorous shaking, or drawing blood from a site with excessive pressure. When RBCs lyse, they release their contents, which can significantly affect laboratory results, particularly for tests measuring serum components. The release of hemoglobin can give the plasma or serum a pink or red hue, indicating that hemolysis has occurred.

In contrast, intact and healthy RBCs would not be associated with hemolysis, and therefore do not apply in this situation. Blood clotting before processing is a separate phenomenon that would lead to a different set of complications and does not occur specifically during hemolysis. A clear appearance of the sample would indicate that hemolysis has not taken place, as hemolyzed samples typically exhibit color changes due to the released hemoglobin. Understanding these processes is essential for accurate blood sample interpretation in laboratory medicine.