What practice helps prevent hemolysis during collection?

What practice helps prevent hemolysis during collection?

• A. Vigorously shaking
• B. Gentle inversion
• C. Use a larger gauge needle
• D. Not necessary to mix

Answer: (B)

Hemolysis happens when red blood cells are subjected to stress during collection. The key to preventing it is to handle the specimen gently, reducing shear forces that can rupture cells. Gentle inversion provides enough mixing of the blood with any additives without generating the vigorous motion that would damage cells, helping preserve cell integrity and accurate results. Aggressive shaking creates shear that can break cells, and choosing a needle size or not mixing at all doesn’t address the mechanical stress in the same protective way.

Hemolysis happens when red blood cells are subjected to stress during collection. The key to preventing it is to handle the specimen gently, reducing shear forces that can rupture cells. Gentle inversion provides enough mixing of the blood with any additives without generating the vigorous motion that would damage cells, helping preserve cell integrity and accurate results. Aggressive shaking creates shear that can break cells, and choosing a needle size or not mixing at all doesn’t address the mechanical stress in the same protective way.