Factors Leading to Falsely Elevated Hemoglobin Determinations on an Electronic Cell Counter

On an electronic cell counter, hemoglobin determinations may be falsely elevated owing to the presence of:

On an electronic cell counter, there are certain factors that may lead to falsely elevated hemoglobin determinations

On an electronic cell counter, there are certain factors that may lead to falsely elevated hemoglobin determinations. These factors include:

1. Presence of abnormal red blood cells: If there are abnormal red blood cells present in the sample, such as spherocytes or nucleated red blood cells, the electronic cell counter may misinterpret them as regular red blood cells, leading to an overestimation of the hemoglobin level.

2. Presence of substances that interfere with the measurement: Certain substances, such as lipids or proteins, can interfere with the accurate measurement of hemoglobin. These substances may be present due to improper sample handling or contamination, and can lead to falsely elevated hemoglobin values.

3. Clumping of red blood cells: In some cases, red blood cells may clump together due to various reasons, such as improper mixing or inadequate sample preparation. These clumps can be mistakenly counted as individual cells, resulting in an overestimation of the hemoglobin level.

4. High white blood cell count: A high white blood cell count can lead to falsely elevated hemoglobin levels. This is because the electronic cell counter may mistakenly count some white blood cells as red blood cells, leading to an overestimation of the hemoglobin concentration.

5. Presence of excess debris or particles: If the sample contains excess debris or particles, such as cell fragments or precipitates, they may interfere with the accurate measurement of hemoglobin. This can result in falsely elevated hemoglobin values.

To ensure accurate hemoglobin determinations on an electronic cell counter, it is important to follow proper sample handling and preparation techniques, as specified by the manufacturer. Additionally, it is essential to carefully inspect the sample for any abnormal cells, clumps, or debris, and take appropriate actions to minimize their impact on the hemoglobin measurement.

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