Difficulty: Medium

Average Score: 59%

Which of the following causes hemolysis

Rationale

Vigorously inverting the collection tubes causes hemolysis.

When blood samples are collected, vigorous inversion of the tubes can shear red blood cells, leading to hemolysis. This mechanical disruption compromises the integrity of the cells, resulting in the release of hemoglobin into the plasma, which can affect test results.

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

While using a needle that is too large can cause some trauma to the vessel and may lead to bruising or discomfort, it does not directly cause hemolysis. Hemolysis primarily occurs due to mechanical stress on the red blood cells rather than the size of the needle.

B (Allowing the blood to clot before centrifuging) YOUR ANSWER

Allowing blood to clot before centrifugation does not cause hemolysis; instead, it leads to serum separation from the clot. Hemolysis is associated with the physical disruption of red blood cells, which is not a direct consequence of clotting.

D (Leaving the tourniquet on for 30 to 60 seconds) YOUR ANSWER

Although prolonged application of a tourniquet can lead to increased pressure and potential changes in blood composition, it primarily affects the venous flow and can cause hemoconcentration. It does not directly cause hemolysis like vigorous inversion does.

Conclusion

Hemolysis is primarily induced by mechanical forces that damage red blood cells, with vigorous inversion of collection tubes being a critical factor in this process. Other choices, while related to blood collection practices, either do not directly cause hemolysis or relate to different issues in sample processing. Understanding these causes is vital for ensuring the integrity of laboratory results and patient care.

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