Blood sample haemolysed

[NanaFifi]

Has anyone had a blood sample which haemolysed before it got tested? If so, what was the reason? I had blood drawn last week to check B12 and it haemolysed before they could test it. Back tomorrow for another one.

Thanks

[Foggyme Administrator]

Hi NanaFifi. Yes, happened before to my blood samples.

It occasionally happens if the blood is taken or stored incorrectly...in other word, the sample is 'spoiled' and so can't be tested properly.

So don't worry, doesn't mean that they've found a problem with your blood (in the sense of something being 'wrong' with you).

And what a shame, another stabbing for you 😢😉😀

[NanaFifi in reply to Foggyme]

Thank you, that’s what I thought it might be, but always an outside chance that it’s something else. Google can be a curse as well as a blessing 😄

[greenbexy in reply to NanaFifi]

I always try to get any blood tests done in the morning, then I know it will definately be sent off that day. My surgery stores blood samples until the next day if done in the afternoon, so from previous experience I know it can't always be tested as it is a 'spoiled' sample.

[fbirder]

When a blood sample of haemolysed it means that many of the red cells have burst. There are many possible things that can cause this. When he cells are burst many of the normal tests are impossible to carry out.

[NanaFifi in reply to fbirder]

Thanks birder, hopefully this second one will be ok. I have blood drawn regularly and this is the first time there’s been a problem.