Final answer:
Lipemic specimens disrupt cell counts by interfering with optical detection, affecting the accuracy of red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts due to the turbid appearance they cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lipemic specimens can interfere with cell counts by causing interference with optical detection. Lipids present in high amounts can create a turbid or milky appearance to the blood specimen, which can obscure the cells when viewed under a microscope or processed through automated cell counting devices, such as a Coulter counter. This interference can affect the accuracy of red blood cell counts, white blood cell counts, and platelet counts. Additionally, certain substances such as colchicine can affect white blood cell counts; colchicine decreases inflammation by inhibiting mitosis, which can lead to a decreased white blood cell count. For accurate results, any optical or electronic interference must be resolved before performing and interpreting cell counts.