What helps to prevent cell lysis during blood collection?

What helps to prevent cell lysis during blood collection?

• A. A large size syringe
• B. A steady hand
• C. A large size needle
• D. A needle coated with anticoagulant

Answer: (C)

Cells can be damaged when blood is forced through a very small channel. Drawing blood through a small-bore needle creates higher shear forces and turbulence, which can rupture red blood cells and cause hemolysis. Using a larger bore needle reduces these shear stresses as the blood flows, helping preserve cell integrity and producing more accurate test results. A steady hand helps with smooth venipuncture and minimizing tissue trauma, but it doesn’t directly prevent cell lysis during passage through the needle. An anticoagulant-coated needle wouldn’t by itself protect against hemolysis during collection, since anticoagulants target clotting rather than protecting cell membranes during draw.

Cells can be damaged when blood is forced through a very small channel. Drawing blood through a small-bore needle creates higher shear forces and turbulence, which can rupture red blood cells and cause hemolysis. Using a larger bore needle reduces these shear stresses as the blood flows, helping preserve cell integrity and producing more accurate test results. A steady hand helps with smooth venipuncture and minimizing tissue trauma, but it doesn’t directly prevent cell lysis during passage through the needle. An anticoagulant-coated needle wouldn’t by itself protect against hemolysis during collection, since anticoagulants target clotting rather than protecting cell membranes during draw.