What practice can contribute to specimen hemolysis during collection?

What practice can contribute to specimen hemolysis during collection?

• A. Probing veins aggressively.
• B. Using a wide, smooth needle technique.
• C. Collecting with a tourniquet for a short time only.
• D. Applying gentle, steady suction.

Answer: (D)

Hemolysis in a collected specimen comes from mechanical stress on red blood cells as blood is drawn into the tube. The suction used to pull blood into the collection device is a major source of that stress—if suction is abrupt or forceful, cells can be sheared and rupture. Therefore, applying gentle, steady suction is the approach that minimizes this stress and helps prevent hemolysis. If suction isn’t truly gentle or is applied inconsistently, it can still contribute to hemolysis, which is why this technique is the focus here. Other aspects of collection, like aggressive probing or improper needle technique, tend to affect vein trauma or overall specimen quality rather than direct cell rupture in the way suction can.

Hemolysis in a collected specimen comes from mechanical stress on red blood cells as blood is drawn into the tube. The suction used to pull blood into the collection device is a major source of that stress—if suction is abrupt or forceful, cells can be sheared and rupture. Therefore, applying gentle, steady suction is the approach that minimizes this stress and helps prevent hemolysis. If suction isn’t truly gentle or is applied inconsistently, it can still contribute to hemolysis, which is why this technique is the focus here. Other aspects of collection, like aggressive probing or improper needle technique, tend to affect vein trauma or overall specimen quality rather than direct cell rupture in the way suction can.