What should be done when a blood sample is hemolyzed?

When a blood sample is hemolyzed, it indicates that the red blood cells have ruptured, releasing their contents into the plasma. This can significantly affect the accuracy of various laboratory tests, particularly those measuring analytes like potassium, which can be falsely elevated due to the leakage of intracellular components into the serum. Because hemolysis can compromise the integrity of the sample and lead to misleading results, it is appropriate to reject the specimen. This ensures that only reliable and accurate samples are tested, which is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Recollecting the specimen using proper techniques, such as avoiding excessive tourniquet time or using appropriate venipuncture techniques, helps prevent hemolysis in the future.