Interference of hemolysis in the estimation of plasma aspartate aminotransferase, potassium and phosphate

Abstract

Mohamed Babiker Abd Elrouf, Mohammed Amanullah, Gaffar Sarwar Zaman

Objective: The objective was to analyze the effect of hemolysis on estimation of biochemical constituents in the plasma. Materials and Methods: Twenty different pooled plasma samples were collected from 80 apparently healthy volunteers at Alnaw Hospital and Khartoum teaching hospital and research laboratory unit. Hemolysate was prepared by freezing at −20°C overnight and serial dilution of hemolysate was prepared (0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g/dl). Each pooled plasma samples was dispensed into 8 different tubes (900 μl in each tube) to which 100 μl of different concentration of the hemolysate were added in each of the tubes. A baseline control was prepared with 100 μl of distilled water. Plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), potassium and phosphate were measured in each of the tubes. Plasma level of AST and phosphate were measured using Hitachi 902 Analyzer (USA for Hitachi 920 analyzer), whereas potassium was measured using ion-selective electrode. Result: The result showed that plasma AST, potassium, and phosphate were significantly raised at hemoglobin (Hb) concentration of 0.4 and 0.8 g/dl (P < 0.0l), whereas plasma potassium and AST was significantly increased at Hb concentration of 0.1 and 0.2 g/dl (P < 0.01). Further at 0.05 g/dl Hb concentration, only plasma potassium was significantly increased (P < 0.05) but not others. Conclusion: There will definitely be a great influence of hemolysis on the estimation biochemical parameters in the plasma giving false-positive values.