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Oct 16, 2026Hemolysis, Icterus, and Lipemia (HIL): Recognizing and Managing HIL Specimens
This course examines hemolysis, icterus, and lipemia (HIL), three common sources of specimen interference in laboratory testing.
Participants will review how HIL specimens occur, how they may affect laboratory results, how visual and instrument based detection can be used, and how laboratory personnel can respond appropriately.
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What You’ll Learn?
Course Syllabus
Welcome!
Conflict of Interest Disclosure
Accreditation Statement
Learning Objectives
Introduction
Why Specimen Quality Matters
Understanding HIL
Hemolysis
Common Causes of Hemolysis
Hemolysis and Intracellular Components
Hemolysis Can Cause More Than One Problem
Recognizing Hemolysis
Icterus
Bilirubin and Laboratory Testing
Recognizing Icterus
Lipemia
Causes of Lipemia
How Lipemia Can Affect Testing
Recognizing Lipemia
HIL Comparison
HIL and Patient Results
Laboratory Interference Limits
When Should a Specimen Be Rejected?
When a HIL Specimen May Still Be Usable
Reducing Hemolysis During Collection
Transport and Handling
Centrifugation and Processing
IV-Line and Difficult Collection Considerations
Case Study: Unexpected Potassium
Case Study: Hemolyzed Chemistry Specimen
Case Study: Lipemic Specimen
Case Study: Icteric Specimen
Communication of HIL Problems
Avoiding Blame in Specimen Quality Problems
Phlebotomy Focus
HIL Assessment Checklist
Scenario
Takeaways
Conclusion
References
Post-Test
Certification
Choose from a list of project topics or create your own project idea that incorporates all skills learned (e.g., a mini-banking system, personal expense tracker, or inventory manager).
Meet Your Instructor
Dr. Tieso is a laboratory educator who loves helping laboratory professionals continue to learn, grow, and explore the ever-evolving world of laboratory science! With teaching experience in phlebotomy, Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT), and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science (CLS/MLS) programs, Dr. Tieso brings a mix of knowledge, real-world experience, and enthusiasm to continuing education. As an ASCP-certified professional licensed by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), Dr. Tieso understands the importance of quality, accuracy, and a little curiosity in the lab!
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