Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS) ASCP Practice Exam

What is a likely result of hemodilution?

1. High serum electrolyte values

2. Increased blood viscosity

3. Low serum electrolyte values

4. Elevated blood pressure

The correct answer is: Low serum electrolyte values

Hemodilution refers to the process of reducing the concentration of cells and solutes in the blood, typically as a result of an increase in plasma volume. This can occur during various medical treatments, fluid administration, or when blood samples are taken. One significant consequence of hemodilution is that it leads to decreased concentrations of serum electrolytes, resulting in low serum electrolyte values. In hemodilution, as the plasma volume increases relative to the cellular components and solutes (like electrolytes), the absolute amounts of these substances remain the same, but their concentration in the blood decreases. This dilution effect would particularly affect electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, leading to lower measured values on laboratory tests. The other choices involve different physiological responses or mechanisms unrelated to the effects of hemodilution, such as changes in blood viscosity, serum electrolyte concentration, or blood pressure. Therefore, the most likely result of hemodilution is indeed low serum electrolyte values.