Objectives: After several hemolyzed blood samples were received in the laboratory, we investigated lipid emulsion/TPN as a novel cause of hemolysis.
Design and methods: Whole blood was spiked with lipid emulsion and TPN.
Results: Hemolysis was proportional to the amount of lipid emulsion present in whole blood, with less hemolysis occurring in blood gas syringes compared to vacutainer tubes.
Conclusion: Collection of specimens in blood gas syringes may prevent hemolysis in patients on lipid emulsion.
Copyright © 2010 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.