Applying a Tourniquet to or Drawing Blood from an Arm

Applying a tourniquet to or drawing blood from an arm located on the same side of the body as a recent mastectomy can be harmful to the patient and may produce erroneous test results. The application of a tourniquet as part of such blood collections is discouraged for all of the following reasons except:

A) may cause a release of harmful cells from the surgical site into the circulation.
B) interferes with the flow of lymph fluid in the area.
C) causes increases in the blood level of lymphocytes and waste products in the area.
D) increases the danger of developing lymphedema in the affected area.