Abstract
The effect of haemolysis on the levels of commonly analysed plasma constituents was investigated in the common marmoset. Results were divided into a) low levels of extra haemolysis (<2 g/l plasma haemoglobin) and b) high levels of extra haemolysis (>2 g/l plasma haemoglobin). Mean changes in plasma constituent levels were examined and the correlation with increased haemolysis measured. Large changes in malate dehydrogenase and lactate dehydrogenase were found at low levels of haemolysis. With higher levels of haemolysis there were statistically significant changes in the levels of alanine aminotransferase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, glutathione reductase, bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase and sorbitol dehydrogenase. The significance of these findings is considered in relation to the interpretation of changes of plasma constituents as indicators of tissue/organ damage.