Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (1141 page)

   Laboratory artifacts

   Hemolysis during venipuncture, conditions associated with thrombocytosis or leukocytosis, incomplete separation of serum and clot, double spinning (respinning) of blood collection tubes

   Arm in upward position while collecting blood

   Betadine application

   Laboratory order of draw (lavender top tubes drawn before serum chemistry tubes)

   Drawing above IV site

   Vigorously mixed tubes

   Collection techniques

   Traumatic draw

   Pneumatic tube system issues: speed too high, unpadded canisters, excessive agitation

   Delay in processing

   Centrifuging at too high G force

   Increased heat exposure in centrifuge