Question 60

Causation of Hemolysis is Primarily Due to Vigorously Inverting the Collection Tubes

Hemolysis can occur when blood specimens are handled improperly, and vigorously inverting the collection tubes is a common cause. This action can create shear stress on red blood cells, leading to their rupture.

A) Using too large a needle with respect to vein size

Using a needle that is too large for the vein can lead to complications such as hematoma formation but is not a direct cause of hemolysis. While it may affect blood flow and collection efficiency, it does not typically rupture red blood cells to the extent seen with improper tube handling.

B) Allowing the blood to clot before centrifuging

Allowing blood to clot before centrifuging is related to the separation of serum or plasma from cells but does not cause hemolysis. Clotting is a normal process that does not disrupt the integrity of red blood cells in the same way that mechanical agitation does.

C) Vigorously inverting the collection tubes

Vigorously inverting the collection tubes introduces significant mechanical stress on the red blood cells, which can cause them to break apart, resulting in hemolysis. This process is the primary reason why handling blood specimens with care is emphasized in laboratory protocols.

D) Leaving the tourniquet on for 30 to 60 seconds

Leaving the tourniquet on for an extended period can lead to hemoconcentration and alter the composition of the blood sample, but it does not directly cause hemolysis. The primary concern with prolonged tourniquet application is the potential for inaccurate test results rather than cell lysis.

Conclusion

Vigorously inverting the collection tubes is a well-documented cause of hemolysis due to the mechanical stress it places on red blood cells. In contrast, the other options either do not cause cell rupture or relate to different aspects of blood specimen collection. Therefore, option C is definitively the correct answer regarding the causes of hemolysis.