In this section
| Problem | Causes | Affected analyte |
| Delay in processing |
|
Increased potassium, phosphate, LDH, AST. |
| Incorrect storage | Storing unseparated sample in the fridge |
|
| Haemolysis |
|
Increased potassium, phosphate, LDH, AST. |
| Inappropriate Collection Site | Sample taken from drip arm |
|
| Incorrect container or anticoagulant | No fluoride oxalate | Decreased glucose |
| K-EDTA contamination |
|
|
| Lithium heparin tube | Increased lithium |
Effect of haemolysis, lipaemia and icterus
Haemolysis, lipaemia and icterus may cause false elevations or reductions in the measured concentrations of several biochemistry analytes. The presence of haemolysis, lipaemia or icterus will be detected in the laboratory and the affected analytes will be flagged. In cases where there is significant interference, the affected analyte will not be reported. Further information can be obtained from the Duty Biochemist.
Measurement uncertainty
All assays have a margin of error associated with the calculation of the numerical value. This is referred to as the measurement uncertainty and is usually expressed as a percentage of the reported
figure. This calculation allows the user to understand the uncertainty of any numerical results and can be assured with 95% confidence that the true result lies plus or minus the measurement uncertainty around the reported value. Further information on the measurement of uncertainty for all our laboratory assays is available by contacting the Duty Biochemist within routine working hours.
Point of Care
The relationship between values obtained in the laboratory and POCT are established and available upon request.
(Last reviewed June 2021)