What is one potential effect of lysing red blood cells in a blood sample?

Prepare for the AAB Medical Technologist (MT) Generalist Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to boost your understanding. Get exam-ready now!

Lysing red blood cells (RBCs) in a blood sample is a common laboratory technique that can significantly impact the components of the sample. The correct choice highlights that lysing RBCs may provide a more accurate platelet count.

When RBCs are lysed, the plasma and other components become more accessible for analysis. This can enhance the precision of automated complete blood counts (CBCs). In particular, platelet counts can be more accurately determined because the hemoglobin released from lysed RBCs does not interfere with the counting of platelets, which is crucial for assessing clotting ability and diagnosing various conditions.

In contrast, when RBCs remain intact, their presence can lead to inaccuracies in platelet counting due to overlapping cell populations and potential miscalculations in automated hematological analyzers. By lysing the RBCs, the clarity of the remaining components, particularly the platelets, improves, leading to more reliable results.

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