A phlebotomist collects a patient sample for potassium using a syringe because the patient's veins were too small and fragile to allow collection with evacuated tubes. It was a difficult draw, involving much needle probing and pulling on the syringe handle. Which of the following test results is most likely to be influenced by this collection method?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Potassium is the most likely test result to be influenced by the difficult collection method as potassium is easily released from blood cells during sample collection. The probing and pulling on the syringe handle could increase the amount of potassium released from the blood cells, leading to falsely elevated levels. Glucose, sodium, and BUN are less likely to be affected by this collection method.

A Phlebotomist Collects a Patient Sample for Potassium Using a Syringe