What is required to perform a sample blank when measuring a hemolyzed and turbid plasma sample?

To perform a sample blank when measuring a hemolyzed and turbid plasma sample, substituting saline for the reagent helps account for the interference caused by the hemolysis and turbidity in the plasma. A sample blank is designed to quantify the baseline signal or absorbance that arises from components other than the analyte of interest. Hemolysis can release hemoglobin and other cellular components that can affect the optical density, leading to incorrect measurements. By using saline, which provides a clear medium without additional interferences, you can ensure that the measurement reflects the actual concentration of the target analyte without the distortions introduced by the hemolyzed sample.

Using deionized water instead of a sample blank might not adequately replicate the plasma's matrix and could lead to an inaccurate assessment of the absorbance due to the differences in composition. Diluting the sample might help in certain situations but does not address the specific need to negate the effects of the specific interferences from hemolysis and turbidity; it could actually lead to loss of the analyte. Increasing the volume of the sample does not resolve the underlying issues of interference; it simply changes the quantity being measured without modifying the matrix effects caused by hemolysis and turbidity. Thus, substituting