Case Studies: Case Study 3

Discussion

  • Hemolysis can easily be caused by improper phlebotomy techniques. Hemolysis occurs when RBCs are broken up and hemoglobin is released into the plasma, causing it to become pink rather than its natural straw color. Hemolysis can occur by using too small a needle, pulling a syringe plunger too rapidly, expelling blood vigorously into a tube, or shaking a tube of blood too hard. Hemolysis can cause falsely increased potassium, magnesium, iron, and ammonia levels, and other aberrant lab results.
  • In this case, Marcie did not properly wipe the site with gauze after cleaning it with alcohol, and alcohol contacting the blood could have caused RBCs to break up or hemolyze. Marcie also squeezed the baby’s foot too hard, causing hemolysis.
  • Relevant topics:
  • Site selection and preparation, Heelstick: Puncture, Hemolysis, Causes of hemolysis

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