What does hemolysis mean?

Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells, a process that can lead to the release of hemoglobin and other intracellular contents into the surrounding fluid. This can significantly impact laboratory test results, as it can cause interference in various tests, such as those measuring potassium levels, liver enzymes, or certain types of metabolic panels. When red blood cells break down, the released components can produce falsely elevated or altered results, leading to potential misinterpretation by healthcare providers.

Understanding hemolysis is crucial for phlebotomists, as they must take steps to minimize this occurrence during blood collection and handling to ensure accurate test outcomes. For example, excessive force during venipuncture, shaking the specimen vigorously, or using a small needle can increase the likelihood of hemolysis. Thus, awareness of this process and its implications for laboratory accuracy is a vital part of phlebotomy training.