Effects of Hemolysis on Routine Coagulation Tests when Tested on an Optical Coagulation Analyzer.

BACKGROUND:The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute recommends rejecting hemolyzed samples for coagulation tests. Sysmex CS5100 analyzer using an optical method is commonly used in laboratories. The influence of hemolysis on coagulation test has rarely been studied when tested on Sysmex CS5100. Determining this influence is necessary. METHODS:Freshly collected samples were artificially hemolyzed to simulate the hemolysis processes. Coagulation tests were conducted on a Sysmex CS5100 coagulation analyzer. Detection values before and after hemolysis were compared. RESULTS:The results showed that after hemolysis detection, the prothrombin time (PT) statistically decreased, while the partial thromboplastin time (APTT) statistically increased. There were no significant differences in fibrinogen (Fg), thrombin time (TT), D-dimer (DD) or fibrinogen degradation products (FDPs). Antithrombin activity was elevated in hemolyzed samples. CONCLUSIONS:Although differences in PT and APTT were statistically significant, there was no need for rejection of hemolyzed samples due to insufficient clinical effects when tested on Sysmex CS5100 analyzer. Falsely elevated AT result may lead to misdiagnosis in patients with severe diseases, which should be carefully considered.