What is the maximum recommended time to leave a tourniquet in place during phlebotomy?

What is the maximum recommended time to leave a tourniquet in place during phlebotomy?

• A. Thirty seconds
• B. Two minutes
• C. One minute
• D. Five minutes

Answer: (C)

Limiting tourniquet time to one minute is essential because leaving it on longer causes blood to pool in the veins, which can concentrate cells and proteins and alter test results. This hemoconcentration can skew measurements for many common tests and lead to inaccurate results. It also increases patient discomfort and venous stasis. The safe practice is to apply the tourniquet just long enough to locate the vein and then release it promptly once blood flow is established, ideally keeping total time to about 60 seconds or less.

Limiting tourniquet time to one minute is essential because leaving it on longer causes blood to pool in the veins, which can concentrate cells and proteins and alter test results. This hemoconcentration can skew measurements for many common tests and lead to inaccurate results. It also increases patient discomfort and venous stasis. The safe practice is to apply the tourniquet just long enough to locate the vein and then release it promptly once blood flow is established, ideally keeping total time to about 60 seconds or less.