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Updated: Jan 7, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management
Published on: January 19, 2024
When Numbers Lie: A Case Report of Falsely Low Hemoglobin Due to Preanalytical Error Leading to Unnecessary
1Internal Medicine, CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital, Corpus Christi, USA.
Abstract:
False laboratory values can trigger extensive and unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic workups. We report a case of falsely diagnosed severe anemia that led to blood transfusions and a comprehensive evaluation, which included aggressive intervention as an endoscopy, before being traced back to a preanalytical sample collection error. Proper phlebotomy technique and education, clinical correlation, and sometimes confirmatory labs can help avoid scenarios like the one presented in this case report.
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