Phlebotomy ✨🩸
#phlebotomy #nursing #laboratory #lab
Certain things can really affect your lab results!!
The biggest things I see in my lab
- Hemolysis
Some tests we cannot run due to the interference of color from certain levels of hemolysis.
It can also elevate potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium!
- Clots
The additives in a lavender top (EDTA) chelates calcium. Calcium plays a major roll in the coagulation system! So by taking it away we can get accurate results for tests like the CBC!
Without EDTA large clots can form and can falsely decrease the platelet count or even the hematocrit in some cases!
-Contamination
There are many different forms of contamination. Additive contamination is just one I see a lot.
Some additives get carried over when drawing blood and can have negative impacts on tests! That’s why order of draw is SO important!
Phlebotomy plays a crucial role in healthcare, impacting diagnosis and treatment. Understanding factors that influence lab results is essential. Hemolysis, which can occur from using the wrong gauge needle or improper blood draw techniques, may falsely elevate potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium levels. Additionally, clots can disrupt coagulation, highlighting the importance of using additives like EDTA to prevent inaccuracies in tests like CBC. Contamination during blood draws can lead to erroneous results; therefore, following the order of draw is vital. By adhering to best practices in phlebotomy, healthcare professionals can significantly improve the accuracy of laboratory results, ensuring better patient care and outcomes.
Thank you