Journal of emergency nursing : JEN : official publication of the Emergency Department Nurses Association
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J Emerg Nurs
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Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
A comparison of hemolysis rates using intravenous catheters versus venipuncture tubes for obtaining blood samples.
The primary purpose of this study was to compare the rate of hemolysis in blood samples obtained by an i.v. catheter versus the rate in samples obtained by venipuncture (Vacutainer tubes and needles; Becton Dickinson Vacutainer Systems, Franklin Lakes, N.J.). Subsequently, variance in i.v. catheter diameter was reviewed to determine its influence on hemolysis rate of i.v. catheter aspirate. ⋯ Hemolysis of blood samples obtained by an i.v. catheter was significantly higher than when blood was obtained through Vacutainer venipuncture. There is an inverse correlation between i.v. catheter diameter and the rate of hemolysis.