What is hemolysis?

Hemolysis refers to the breakdown of red blood cells, which can adversely affect laboratory test results. When red blood cells lyse, they release hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the plasma. This release can interfere with various laboratory assays, leading to erroneous results. For instance, it can falsely elevate potassium levels or cause turbidity that may mislead assessments of other analytes. Understanding hemolysis is crucial for phlebotomy technicians, as it helps them recognize factors that can compromise specimen integrity and the importance of handling blood specimens carefully to avoid this condition.