Medical Technology Licensure Examination (MTLE) Practice Exam

Which of the following practices can lead to hemolysis of a blood sample?

1. Warming the injection site before collection

2. Using a smaller gauge needle

3. Delaying serum separation for over 30 minutes

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Hemolysis of a blood sample occurs when red blood cells break apart, releasing their contents into the surrounding fluid. Each of the practices mentioned can contribute to this unwanted condition. Warming the injection site before collection can cause vasodilation and increased blood flow, which may lead to the rupture of red blood cells during collection if not handled carefully. Using a smaller gauge needle can also increase the likelihood of hemolysis. Smaller needles create higher shear stress on the blood cells as the blood is drawn, which can physically damage the cells. Delaying serum separation for over 30 minutes can lead to cell lysis due to the breakdown of the blood sample components. Inadequate separation time allows continued metabolic processes and may expose blood cells to unfavorable conditions, causing them to break down. Each of these practices can independently contribute to hemolysis, making the collective understanding of their individual impacts crucial for ensuring the integrity of blood samples. Thus, all mentioned practices share the potential to lead to hemolysis, confirming that the correct answer encapsulates the broader issue of handling blood samples improperly.