Question

A blood sample is collected from a patient, and the plasma is pink to red in color. Which of the following is the most likely cause?

a) Hemolysis
b) Lipemia
c) Icterus
d) Normal variation

Answer 1

The pink to red coloration of plasma in a blood sample is most likely caused by hemolysis, the destruction of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin into the plasma.

Step-by-step explanation:

If a patient's plasma is pink to red in color, the most likely cause is hemolysis. Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells, leading to the release of hemoglobin into the plasma. This process can occur due to a variety of factors, including mechanical damage during blood sample handling or intrinsic red cell defects, such as those found in patients with hemolytic anemia. In hemolytic anemia, antibodies can attach to red blood cells, resulting in their premature destruction. The hemoglobin released from lysed red blood cells imparts a pink to red tint to the plasma.