Best Practices to Prevent Hemolysis
- Use the correct needle size for blood collection (20-22 gauge).
- Avoid using butterfly needles, unless specifically requested by patient.
- Warm up the venipuncture site to increase blood flow.
- Allow disinfectant on venipuncture site to dry completely.
What causes Hemolyzed blood samples?
Hemolysis resulting from phlebotomy may be caused by incorrect needle size, improper tube mixing, incorrect filling of tubes, excessive suction, prolonged tourniquet, and difficult collection.
How do you prevent hemolysis when drawing blood from mice?
To avoid hemolysis, blood samples should be taken immediately after the vein has been raised. Avoid “pumping or milking” the blood from the vein as this can induce coagulation and erythrocyte lysis. Avoid high negative pressure in the syringe, as this can cause erythrocytes to rupture.
