Which of the following factors can affect blood sample quality?

Hemolysis significantly impacts blood sample quality because it refers to the rupture of red blood cells, which releases hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the plasma. This process can occur due to several factors, such as excessive agitation, using a small needle gauge, or improper storage conditions. When hemolysis occurs, it can alter the results of various laboratory tests, making them unreliable. For instance, the presence of free hemoglobin can interfere with tests for other analytes, leading to inaccurate readings. Therefore, preventing hemolysis during sample collection and handling is crucial to ensure that the resulting data is valid and reflects the true state of the patient’s health.

Temperature fluctuations and the time of day indeed play roles in the stability of certain blood components or the biological rhythms affecting hormone levels, while the patient’s age can influence various physiological parameters. However, hemolysis is the most direct factor that can compromise blood sample integrity in a more immediate manner, causing significant analytical errors that could lead to misdiagnosis or inappropriate clinical decisions.