Clinical Laboratory Tips for Improving Heelstick Collection Technique Hemolysis Destruction of red blood cells releases hemoglobin and other substances such as potassium into the surrounding ID: 959735
Download Pdf The PPT/PDF document "University of Colorado Hospital" is the property of its rightful owner. Permission is granted to download and print the materials on this web site for personal, non-commercial use only, and to display it on your personal computer provided you do not modify the materials and that you retain all copyright notices contained in the materials. By downloading content from our website, you accept the terms of this agreement.
University of Colorado Hospital – Clinical Laboratory Tips for Improving Heelstick Collection Technique Hemolysis Destruction of red blood cells releases hemoglobin and other substances such as potassium into the surrounding plasma. This can cause interference in many laboratory tests. In vitro hemolysis usually occurs when there is difficulty/poor technique in obtaining a blood specimen. Clotting If flow of blood during collection is very slow, or tubes are not mixed immediately afterwards, the clotting process begins. Once begun, it cannot be reversed. Conversely, o nce a sample is properly anticoagulat ed, clotting will never occur. Clotted samples may not be used for tests that require anticoagulated whole blood. Four Tips for Improved Pediatric Sample Quality 1. Warm the He e l Increases flow of blood which decreases clotting and hemolysis. 2. Wait A fter Alcohol The skin at the draw site should be completely dry. Wait one minute after prepping the skin before starting the collecti on. 3. Wipe Away First Drop The f irst drop is almost always hemolyzed and contains clotting activators. Wipe away the first drop before collection. 4. Mix Purple Tops Frequently Collect a few drops of blood, cap the tube and mix by inversion. Collect another few drops and cap and mix again. Finis h the collection and mix again.