Which option best helps prevent damage to cells during blood collection?

Which option best helps prevent damage to cells 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)

When blood is drawn, cells can be damaged by shear forces as they pass through the needle. A larger bore needle provides a wider passage, which reduces flow velocity and turbulence, lowering the mechanical stress on the cells. This helps preserve cell integrity and minimizes hemolysis, making a larger size needle the best choice for protecting cells during collection. While a steady hand aids technique, it doesn't directly reduce the mechanical damage caused by flow through a small needle. A large syringe can increase pressure and shear, potentially causing more damage, and an anticoagulant coating mainly helps prevent clotting rather than reducing cell injury from the drawing process.

When blood is drawn, cells can be damaged by shear forces as they pass through the needle. A larger bore needle provides a wider passage, which reduces flow velocity and turbulence, lowering the mechanical stress on the cells. This helps preserve cell integrity and minimizes hemolysis, making a larger size needle the best choice for protecting cells during collection. While a steady hand aids technique, it doesn't directly reduce the mechanical damage caused by flow through a small needle. A large syringe can increase pressure and shear, potentially causing more damage, and an anticoagulant coating mainly helps prevent clotting rather than reducing cell injury from the drawing process.