When using a needle and syringe for blood collection, which practice reduces hemolysis?

When using a needle and syringe for blood collection, which practice reduces hemolysis?

• A. Use a smaller needle
• B. Vigorously mix by shaking
• C. Keep the needle inside the syringe while discharging
• D. Remove the needle before discharging into the tube

Answer: (C)

Minimizing hemolysis involves reducing mechanical stress on red blood cells during collection and transfer. Keeping the needle inside the syringe as you discharge the blood into the collection tube smooths the transfer, avoiding sudden pressure changes and excessive shear at the needle tip. This helps prevent red blood cell rupture and preserves sample integrity. Using a smaller needle increases shear forces and can raise hemolysis; vigorously shaking the sample causes cell rupture; removing the needle before discharging into the tube introduces air and turbulence, both of which can damage cells. So, the technique that maintains the needle in place during transfer best protects red blood cells from hemolysis.

Minimizing hemolysis involves reducing mechanical stress on red blood cells during collection and transfer. Keeping the needle inside the syringe as you discharge the blood into the collection tube smooths the transfer, avoiding sudden pressure changes and excessive shear at the needle tip. This helps prevent red blood cell rupture and preserves sample integrity.

Using a smaller needle increases shear forces and can raise hemolysis; vigorously shaking the sample causes cell rupture; removing the needle before discharging into the tube introduces air and turbulence, both of which can damage cells. So, the technique that maintains the needle in place during transfer best protects red blood cells from hemolysis.