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What Does Hemolysis After A Folic Acid Blood Test Mean?

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Posted on Sun, 3 Jan 2016
Question: Hello,
I've had folic acid blood test but they said sample has haemolysed and they couldn't complete the analysis. What does this mean?
Previous to this test I had two full blood count which were out too.
Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
hemolysis means that the red blood cells are broken down

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Hemolysed blood refers to the breakdown of the red blood cells.

Hemolysed samples are common.

It may be related to how the specimen is collected or processed or , in some cases, may be due to problems with the blood itself (eg in persons with a history of some types of hemolytic anemia).
Hemolytic anemia, however, may have shown up in previous full blood counts that you would have done. The hemoglobin would have been low in anemia.

The presence of the hemolysed sample may be due to person taking or processing the blood rather than any problems with your blood itself.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (7 minutes later)
Hi, thanks for reply.
My FBC was taken twice recently, both came back with issues. I can upload them for you to see if linked with this?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (16 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
iron levels would normally follow increased hemoglobin

Detailed Answer:
HI

In the sample dated October 27th, the hemoglobin count is normal so anemia is not present.
The white cell count and platelets were reported as low but in the report , it was stated that the actual count was normal but because the white cells and platelets were clumped together.
The neutrophils and monocytes are types of white blood cells and are interpreted with it.

The mcv and mch are above the upper limit but with a normal hemoglobin, this is not likely significant because they are mainly use to support any changes in the hemoglobin.

In the other sample the hemoglobin, hct (hematocrit) and red cell are increased. Iron levels would normally follow this sample.

Please feel free to ask anything else


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
I dropped soap on foot 5 days ago and huge bruise appears and when doing blood test from finger didn't stop bleeding for 20-30 mins. Is this sign of return to low platlets?
I do have vitiligo. But suspect some deficency or something.
Iron levels are good on all test I seen. B12 was tested and is fine (although could be higher due to daily supplements). Was hoping for the folic acid results, but that one had the issue?

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
was in clumps, reported as normal

Detailed Answer:
HI

In the report the white cell count (checks for infection) was actually normal. At the bottom of the form it states that the count was normal but was clumped together, this can happen.

Since it was normal, it does not indicate any infection.

The same for the platelets, it was actually normal. This initial test also had a normal Hb though the mch and mcv were abnormal.
The mch and mcv are not looked at on their own but with the Hb, so since this was normal, the change is not significant

Prolonged bleeding can be due to low platelets but remember the value was actually normal with clumping on the first and completely normal in the second.
If you are concerned, you can repeat to recheck the value

If the iron levels are normal that is good because the high Hb and Hct in the second test can sometimes be due to high iron.
May also occur in polycythemia but that would also need most of these- enlarged spleen, high oxygen level in the blood, high platelets, high white cell, high vit b12 as well as other changes.
If these not present, then polycythemia is not likely

You can repeat the blood tests for the folic acid levels

If anything else unclear, let me know
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (14 minutes later)
Thanks, so now MCV is normal there is no sign from these that there would be a vitamin B12 or Folic acid deficency?
Later this year MCV was at 100, and then I started vitamin b complex ever since, MCV came down now to 93, so it looks like it is working. How much should I continue to take?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
continue until at least folic acid checked

Detailed Answer:
HI

If your vitamin B12 levels are completely within normal range (not at the low end of normal) and you have the folic acid levels done and they are also completely normal, you can stop.

Continue until the folic acid is checked

Let me know if you need any other help
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (30 hours later)
Hi,
The results showed good results, were in the higher range. If b12 is normal, does this mean folic acid is likley to be normal too?

Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
not necessarily

Detailed Answer:
HI

Not necessarily.

It would still be good to have it checked.

Hope this helps, if not let me know
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Does Hemolysis After A Folic Acid Blood Test Mean?

Brief Answer: hemolysis means that the red blood cells are broken down Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Hemolysed blood refers to the breakdown of the red blood cells. Hemolysed samples are common. It may be related to how the specimen is collected or processed or , in some cases, may be due to problems with the blood itself (eg in persons with a history of some types of hemolytic anemia). Hemolytic anemia, however, may have shown up in previous full blood counts that you would have done. The hemoglobin would have been low in anemia. The presence of the hemolysed sample may be due to person taking or processing the blood rather than any problems with your blood itself. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions