Rupture of red cells that releases hemoglobin and potassium into serum or plasma, tinting it pink to red and falsely changing results such as potassium.
Routine Blood Collections, question 8The lab rejects a hemolyzed light green-top (lithium heparin) tube. Which handling step at collection most likely caused the hemolysis?
Processing, question 5Why should a blood tube for a chilled test never be placed directly on dry ice?
Related terms
hemoglobinIron-based protein packed inside red cells; it picks up oxygen in the lungs, releases it to tissues and…
plasmaThe liquid part of unclotted blood, separated by centrifuging a tube that contains an anticoagulant; it…
serumThe liquid left after blood clots and is centrifuged; it lacks the clotting factors used up in the clot…
glycolytic inhibitorAdditive, most often sodium fluoride in gray-top tubes, that keeps cells from consuming glucose after…
heel stickCapillary puncture on the medial or lateral plantar surface of an infant's heel, used from birth to about 6…
hematomaSwelling from blood leaking into tissue at the puncture, for example when the needle goes through the vein…
hemoconcentrationRise in cell and protein concentration when plasma water leaves the vein, as with a tourniquet left on too…
hemostasisThe body's process for stopping bleeding: the vessel narrows, platelets form a plug, then coagulation builds…
heparinAnticoagulant that blocks thrombin. Green-top tubes hold lithium or sodium heparin for plasma chemistry; it…
hypotensionLow blood pressure. It can make a patient dizzy or faint, so watch closely during and after the draw.