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Since potassium is mainly intracellular, a false elevation in its blood level can be easily achieved through various processes. The prolonged venous stasis, which also favours tissue hypoxia, produces a change in pH which locally affects the electrolytes balance, especially potassium 2). Thereafter, the collected sample can show haemoconcentration, an activated pro-coagulant response, as well as an altered platelets function 1). If prolonged or excessive, this constriction raises the hydrostatic pressure within the vessel, forcing the water to pass into the outer connective tissue. The tourniquet application causes the inner pressure of the vein to increase artificially. Tests on blood or parts of blood may give your doctor important clues about your health. It helps control body temperature, fluid balance, and the body’s acid-base balance.
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Serum is the fluid part that remains after the blood is allowed to clot in a test tube.Ĭells in the blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.īlood helps move oxygen, nutrients, waste products, and other materials through the body. Plasma is the fluid part that contains substances such as glucose, electrolytes, proteins, and water. Venipuncture may also be done to remove extra red blood cells from the blood, to treat certain blood disorders. Venipuncture is most often done for laboratory testing. In many patients, venous access is necessary for obtaining blood for laboratory testing and administering fluid and intravenous drugs. Venipuncture is also called phlebotomy, is a procedure in which a needle is used to take blood from a vein.
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