Which analyte is typically decreased in a hemolyzed sample?

• A. Glucose
• B. Lipase
• C. Bilirubin
• D. Urea

Answer: (A)

Red blood cells continue to metabolize glucose after the blood is drawn, so the glucose level falls in samples that have hemolysis. This ongoing glycolysis by cells lowers the measured glucose unless glycolysis is inhibited or the sample is processed quickly.

The other substances don’t show a typical decrease from hemolysis. Bilirubin levels can appear higher because of increased breakdown products from red cell destruction, while lipase and urea aren’t reliably reduced by hemolyzed conditions. In practice, to avoid this artifact, use glycolysis inhibitors (like fluoride) in collection tubes or process the sample promptly and keep it cooled.