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. After the collection is complete, the phlebotomist realizes that he or she is behind schedule to collect some timed specimens in another unit. To save time, he or she forces the blood out of the syringe rapidly into each specimen tube. Which of the following test results is most likely to be influenced by this action?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Forcing the blood out of the syringe rapidly may cause hemolysis, which can increase the potassium level in the specimen. BUN, glucose, and sodium levels are not affected by the method of collection or transfer.

A Phlebotomist Collects a Patient Sample for Potassium Using a Syringe