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When blood cells burst open, we call it hemolysis. Although it sounds dramatic, hemolysis happens naturally in the body (in vivo) at relatively low rates.1
But when hemolysis happens outside the body (in vitro) during blood sample collection, it can cause inaccurate test results. Hemolysis is the most common reason for sample rejection.
Hemolysis can occur during blood sample collection, storage, handling or lab analysis, and can get worse if there’s a significant delay between collection and testing. When hemolysis occurs, the contents of the burst red blood cells are released into the sample, which may artificially elevate serum levels of biomarkers3 (aka, the things being measured, like cholesterol, vitamin D, PSA, TSH, etc).
Labs have protocols in place to minimize the chances of hemolysis during processing, but individual test takers can prevent hemolysis during at-home blood sample collection by:
- Washing your hands with warm water for at least 60 seconds prior to collection — warm water increases the blood flow
- Drinking plenty of water and exercising lightly before giving a sample — these actions promote blood flow for better sample volume
- NOT squeezing the collection finger, since squeezing is the main cause of hemolysis during collection
- Sending the sample back to the lab on time to prevent hemolysis during transit
If you’re experiencing an issue with collecting blood, instead of squeezing the tip of your finger, you should try “milking” the finger, starting behind the knuckle. If that doesn't work, firmly wiping the puncture site with gauze will release any clot that may be forming and allow blood to flow freely. You can also use one of the two extra lancets in your test kit, and try again on a different finger.
References
- Clinical Chemistry. Hemolyzed Specimens: A Reason for Rejection or a Clinical Challenge? Accessed February 7, 2022.
- Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Chemistry specimen acceptability. A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study of 453 laboratories. Accessed February 7, 2022.
- Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. Chemistry specimen acceptability. A College of American Pathologists Q-Probes study of 453 laboratories. Accessed February 7, 2022.