What is a common reason for a specimen's rejection due to hemolysis?

A common reason for a specimen's rejection due to hemolysis relates to improper venipuncture technique. When blood is drawn, if the technique is not executed correctly, such as using a needle that is too small in gauge, applying excessive force while drawing, or having the tourniquet in place for too long, it can cause the red blood cells to rupture. This rupture leads to the release of hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the plasma, resulting in hemolysis. Hemolyzed samples can lead to misleading test results, as the presence of free hemoglobin can interfere with various laboratory assays.

Other factors like overfilling a tube, filling it too slowly, or incorrect temperature during transport might affect the overall quality of the specimen, but they are less directly associated with causing hemolysis compared to the impact of venipuncture technique.