Hemolysis as a Factor in Clinical Chemistry and Hematology of the Dog

Abstract

SUMMARYSerum biochemical, hemostatic, and hematologic analytes were determined by four laboratories on dogserum or plasmas containing increasing amounts of hemolysate. From the results of testing interferographs were prepared to aid in decision making and to enhance visualization of the effects of hemolysis on the determination of the analytes. Hemolysis consistently interfered with the analysis of creatinine phosphokinase, lactic dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, lipase, and albumin, all of which appeared to increase with increasing hemolysis. The results of testing for the remainder of the biochemical, hemostatic, and hematologic analytes varied greatly among analyzers or methods, rarely in a predictable manner, indicating that each laboratory should evaluate the effects of hemolysis on each analyzer and for each method used, in order to make informed decisions on the use of hemolyzed, but irreplaceable, samples.