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What is the consequence of inadequate mixing of a blood sample in a syringe before analysis?

Increase in serum glucose levels

Error in total hemoglobin measurements

Inadequate mixing of a blood sample in a syringe before analysis can lead to errors in total hemoglobin measurements. Proper mixing is essential to ensure that the cells remain evenly distributed within the plasma. If a sample is not mixed thoroughly, cellular elements, including red blood cells, may settle at the bottom of the syringe, leading to an inaccurate representation of the hemoglobin concentration in the sample. This can result in either falsely elevated or lowered hemoglobin readings, which directly impacts the assessment of a patient's oxygen-carrying capacity. Accurate hemoglobin measurement is critical for diagnosing and managing various conditions, including anemia and polycythemia, making proper sample handling and mixing vital for reliable laboratory results.

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Decrease in pH levels

Increase in blood viscosity

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