What is the issue if a patient sample is very viscous upon arrival in the blood bank?

The presence of a very viscous patient sample upon arrival in the blood bank suggests that there may be an abnormal concentration or composition of plasma proteins. Conditions that lead to hyperproteinemia, such as multiple myeloma or other disorders characterized by increased protein levels, can cause the plasma to become thicker and more viscous. This consistency can impact various laboratory tests, including those for blood typing and compatibility, and may complicate the interpretation of serological results.

In contrast, normal findings would not be associated with such viscosity. Potential hemolysis may cause changes in the appearance of the sample but it typically results in clarity loss rather than increased viscosity. Crossmatch complications might arise later in the testing process, but they would not initially present as a highly viscous sample. Therefore, recognizing abnormal plasma proteins is crucial, as they likely indicate underlying health issues that need to be addressed.