Relationship between sampling volume of primary serum tubes and spurious hemolysis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

We planned a study to establish whether spurious hemolysis may be present in low volume tubes or partially filled tubes.

METHODS:

Four serum tubes were collected in sequence from 20 healthy volunteers, i.e., 4.0 mL, 13 x 75 mm (discard tube), 6.0 mL, 13 x 100 mm half-filled, 4.0 mL, 13 x 75 mm full-draw and 6.0 mL, 13 x 100 mm full-draw. Serum was separated and immediately tested for hemolysis index (HI), potassium, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

RESULTS:

The HI always remained below the limit of detection of the method (< 0.5 g/L) in all tubes. No statistically significant differences were recorded in any parameter except potassium, which increased by 0.10 mmol/L in 4 mL full-draw tubes. No clinically significant variation was however recorded in any tube.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results suggest that all types of tubes tested might be used interchangeably in term of risk of spurious hemolysis.

• Authors: Giuseppe Lippi, Roberta Musa, Luisita Battistelli, Gianfranco Cervellin
• Journal: Clinical laboratory (Clin Lab) Vol. 58 Issue 11-12 Pg. 1187-91 ( 2012) ISSN: 1433-6510 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 23289188 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• L-Lactate Dehydrogenase
• Aspartate Aminotransferases
• Potassium

Topics

• Adult
• Aspartate Aminotransferases (blood)
• Equipment and Supplies
• Female
• Hemolysis
• Humans
• L-Lactate Dehydrogenase (blood)
• Limit of Detection
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Potassium (blood)
• Reference Values
• Serum
• Specimen Handling