Centrifuging a blood sample at high speed for a prolonged period may result in which condition?

Study for the VTNE Laboratory Procedures Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations, enabling increased understanding and retention. Prepare effectively for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Centrifuging a blood sample at high speed for a prolonged period may result in which condition?

Explanation:
When a blood sample is spun at very high speed for a long time, red blood cells can be physically stressed and heated, causing the cell membranes to rupture. This rupture releases hemoglobin into the plasma, producing hemolysis. The plasma may appear pink or red as a result. The other conditions are not caused by centrifugation: icterus comes from high bilirubin, lipemia from excess lipids, and bacterial contamination stems from collection or handling rather than the spinning process.

When a blood sample is spun at very high speed for a long time, red blood cells can be physically stressed and heated, causing the cell membranes to rupture. This rupture releases hemoglobin into the plasma, producing hemolysis. The plasma may appear pink or red as a result. The other conditions are not caused by centrifugation: icterus comes from high bilirubin, lipemia from excess lipids, and bacterial contamination stems from collection or handling rather than the spinning process.

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