When should the tourniquet be removed during venipuncture?

Prepare for the CalRegional Phlebotomy Exam with practice tests, flashcards, and multiple choice questions. Each question is equipped with helpful hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your certification!

Multiple Choice

When should the tourniquet be removed during venipuncture?

Hemoconcentration and distorted sample values occur when a tourniquet is left on the arm for too long. The tourniquet should be released as soon as blood starts to flow into the collection system or once the needle is in place and venipuncture is underway. This stops venous stasis, so the sample better reflects the patient’s true circulating levels and reduces changes in proteins, electrolytes, and other analytes that can occur with prolonged pooling of blood. After blood flow is established, remove the tourniquet and proceed with filling the tubes.

Hemoconcentration and distorted sample values occur when a tourniquet is left on the arm for too long. The tourniquet should be released as soon as blood starts to flow into the collection system or once the needle is in place and venipuncture is underway. This stops venous stasis, so the sample better reflects the patient’s true circulating levels and reduces changes in proteins, electrolytes, and other analytes that can occur with prolonged pooling of blood. After blood flow is established, remove the tourniquet and proceed with filling the tubes.

More practice questions