"Hemolyzed" means your collection cards had enough blood on them, but the blood broke down before the lab could test it — making the results unreliable. This is one of the more common rejection reasons with at-home blood collection, and it's preventable. We've already sent you a free replacement kit on your same order. This article explains what causes hemolysis and the steps that prevent it next time.
Why hemolysis happens
Hemolysis — the breakdown of blood cells — has two common causes with at-home collection:
The cards were sealed before they finished drying. If a card goes into the transport pouch while still wet or damp, the blood breaks down inside the sealed environment.
Too much time passed between blood drops during collection. When drops are spaced out over a long period, earlier drops can begin to degrade before the card is fully filled.
How to prevent it next time
Follow these steps in order when you collect your replacement sample:
Work steadily during collection. Once blood is flowing, fill the circles on each card without long pauses between drops.
Set a timer for 60 minutes as soon as you finish filling the last circle. This is the minimum drying time required before you may seal the cards.
Lay the cards flat to dry in a location away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Do not stack the cards or touch the blood spots while they dry.
Do not place the cards in the transport pouch until the full 60 minutes have passed and the spots are completely dry to the touch.
Once dry, seal the cards in the transport pouch and pack the sealed pouch into the prepaid mailer.
The 60-minute drying time is the single most important step for avoiding a hemolyzed sample. Sealing the cards before the full drying time is complete is the most common cause of this rejection.
What happens next
Your free replacement kit is on its way on the same order. You'll receive an email and a text message with new tracking information when it ships. When the kit arrives, follow the steps above and set a timer before sealing your cards.
Need more help?
If you have questions about the drying process or aren't sure whether your cards are ready to pack, contact our support team through chat before you seal the pouch.