Influence of Blood Sample Hemolysis on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Cows During Early Lactation

The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of hemolysis degrees on the values of hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood samples of cows in early lactation. The study included a total of 45 blood samples of cows in early lactation. Out of the total number of samples analyzed, 15 indicated no signs of hemolysis, whereas 15 indicated moderate hemolysis and 15 severe hemolysis. The influence of hemolysis was examined by determining the bias (%) and by means of the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed that the hemolyzed samples had decreased values of the HCT, RBC, MCV, and increased values of the MCH, MCHC, and PLT. The total number of LEU showed a declining trend with increasing degrees of hemolysis. The changes in the HGB values were not detected despite the visual identification. The hemolysis degrees showed a significant influence on the values of biochemical parameters. The variations in biochemical parameters were less significant in the samples with moderate hemolysis compared to the samples with severe hemolysis. The most hemolysis-sensitive biochemical parameters were the AST, TBIL, TGC, and NEFA as great variations of their values were found even in moderate hemolysis. A slight deviation was noted in the BHB and total protein values. With respect to all the parameters examined, the Wilcoxon test showed significant differences in the samples with moderate and severe hemolysis in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, hemolysis significantly influenced the values of hematological and biochemical parameters in the blood samples analyzed.