All too often, laboratory tests are ordered and blood specimens are drawn in stable patients as a part of a protocol. Several methods can be used to reduce anemia from blood specimen collection (Iatrogenic blood loss). These include:
1) using small volume collection tubes.
2) share specimens in the laboratory to reduce the volume of blood collected (when feasible).
3) orders for laboratory tests should be limited in stable patients.
4) discontinue collecting a "rainbow" of tubes in the emergency department just in case they might be needed.
Photo by Suzanne Butch
