Blood Collection Problems: Unsatisfactory Specimens

Hemolysis

  • Hemolysis means the breakup of fragile red blood cells within the specimen, and the release of their hemoglobin (the red oxygen carrying substance present within the red cells), and other substances, into the plasma.
  • A hemolyzed specimen is one which has undergone hemolysis.
  • A hemolyzed specimen can be recognized after it is centrifuged by the red color of the plasma.

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