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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
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An In Vitro Hemodynamic Loop Model to Investigate the Hemocytocompatibility and Host Cell Activation of Vascular Medical Devices
Published on: August 21, 2020
The suitability of hemolyzed specimens for compatibility testing using automated technology.
Alvaro Laga1, Tracey Cheves, Sara Maroto
1Herbert C. Lichtman Blood Bank and Transfusion Medicine Research Unit, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02906, USA.
Transfusion
|May 17, 2008
Summary
Hemolyzed blood samples can still provide accurate ABO-Rh forward typing and a significant proportion yield valid results for reverse typing and antibody screening. Reconsidering sample discard due to hemolysis may improve patient safety and blood bank efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Transfusion Medicine
- Clinical Laboratory Science
- Hematology
Background:
- Blood banks often reject hemolyzed specimens due to concerns about test interference.
- Discarding hemolyzed samples, especially from emergency departments, can lead to delays and waste.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if experimentally induced hemolysis creates a discrepancy threshold in ABO-Rh typing and antibody screening.
- To evaluate the impact of hemolysis on automated blood testing systems.
Main Methods:
- Mechanical stress was used to induce hemolysis in healthy subject samples.
- An automated gel testing system (ProVue) was employed to analyze samples.
- Supernatant hemoglobin levels were measured to identify hemolysis thresholds.
Main Results:
- Discrepancies in ABO reverse type and antibody screening occurred at hemoglobin levels of 75 mg/dL and 125 mg/dL, respectively.
- Higher hemolysis levels rendered tests uninterpretable ("no result determined").
- No false-positive or false-negative results were observed in antibody screens of hemolyzed specimens.
Conclusions:
- Properly collected hemolyzed specimens can yield valid ABO-Rh forward typing results.
- A significant proportion of hemolyzed samples provide concordant reverse type and antibody screen results.
- Revisiting policies on discarding hemolyzed specimens could enhance patient safety and laboratory efficiency.
