Methods for Hemolysis Interference Study in Laboratory Medicine - A Critical Review
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, University Hospital of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
EJIFCC
|April 8, 2020
Summary
Hemolysis, a common pre-analytical error, requires standardized detection and management protocols. This review categorizes methods for creating hemolysates to improve patient safety and analyte-specific hemolysis management.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Laboratory Medicine
- Pre-analytical Phase Analysis
Background:
- Hemolysis is a significant pre-analytical error impacting laboratory test results.
- Current management of hemolysis lacks standardization, affecting patient safety.
- Differentiating in vivo from in vitro hemolysis is crucial for personalized patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and categorize methods for generating hemolysates in controlled laboratory settings.
- To establish a basis for harmonizing hemolysis detection and management protocols.
- To advocate for analyte-specific management of hemolysis interference.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of methods for hemolysate generation.
- Categorization of methods based on cell lysis mechanisms: freezing-thawing, osmotic shock, and shear stress.
- Analysis of methods simulating in vivo and in vitro hemolysis.
Main Results:
- Identified and grouped three primary categories of hemolysis simulation methods.
- Highlighted the need for comparative studies to evaluate method capabilities.
- Emphasized the importance of defining hemolysis and establishing analyte-specific cut-offs.
Conclusions:
- Standardized and harmonized methods for hemolysis detection and management are essential.
- Developing analyte-specific protocols will enhance patient safety and improve diagnostic accuracy.
- Moving towards analyte-by-analyte management of hemolysis is the future direction.
