What is the impact of vibration on collected blood samples?

Vibration can have significant negative effects on collected blood samples. When blood samples are subjected to vibration, it can cause hemolysis, which is the rupture of red blood cells. This cell lysis releases hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the plasma, which can lead to inaccurate laboratory results. For example, it can falsely elevate values for certain analytes, such as potassium or lactate dehydrogenase, which can mislead clinical diagnoses and treatment decisions.

In addition to this, the physical disturbance caused by vibration may affect the precise separation of components in the blood sample, complicating the interpretation of test results. Therefore, ensuring that blood samples are handled gently and stored in a stable environment is crucial for maintaining sample integrity and achieving accurate laboratory findings.