Hemolysis Rates in Whole Blood Samples for Blood Gas/Electrolyte Analysis by Point-of-Care Testing

Abstract

To the Editor: Arterial blood gas/electrolyte analysis is an essential investigation in critically ill patients. The collection of arterial heparinized whole blood samples can be challenging, with a need to minimize in vitro hemolysis. Hemolysis is not readily detected in whole blood samples, and it may give rise to spurious results with significant increases in PCO2, bicarbonate, and potassium (1). The spurious increase in potassium is important, as abnormalities in potassium concentration are common in critically ill patients and may be life threatening. Unrecognized hemolysis may result in an incorrect …