Which of the following are potential problems with the use of whole blood for laboratory analyses?
1)the presence of undetected hemolysis in a whole-blood sample
2)the continuation of glycolysis after whole-blood collection
3)the interference of the anticoagulant with the laboratory analysis of analytes in whole blood

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The choice of the blood sample to use for laboratory analysis in neonates is always a challenge.The use of whole blood influences several laboratory tests, potentially resulting in false results.For example, the use of whole blood does not allow the technologist to identify the presence of hemolysis in the sample used for analysis.One analyte particularly affected by hemolysis is potassium, which is present in the red blood cell in much higher levels than in the blood stream.Thus hemolysis would cause the false elevation of potassium levels.Additionally, glycolysis continues in whole blood following collection if specific inhibitors of glycolysis are not utilized.If this occurs, the glucose measured would be lower than that actually present in the neonate.Also, the anticoagulant used to keep the whole blood sample from clotting may interfere with the measurement of certain analytes.Specifically, heparin may interfere with the measurement of calcium.

Which of the Following Are Potential Problems with the Use