Specimen collection from a skin puncture can be effective for patient care but can lead to misleading results.
Problem
Consequence
traumatic collection with over-"milking"
hemolysis of red blood cells; activation of coagulation by tissue thromboplastin
edema
dilution of blood by tissue fluid
poor perfusion of site
blood stasis with increased metabolic byproducts
near a peripheral intravenous line with extravasation
inclusion of infusing fluid
Examples of misleading results:
(1) low platelet, red blood cell and white blood cell counts from tissue fluid dilution
(2) low platelet and red blood cell counts from clumping
(3) increased potassium and serum LDH from hemolysis of red blood cells
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Specialty: Clinical Laboratory
ICD-10: ,
