American Medical Technologist (AMT) Practice Exam

When the plunger on a syringe is pulled back too quickly, the most likely consequence is hemolysis of the specimen. Hemolysis refers to the rupture of red blood cells, which can occur when negative pressure is applied too forcefully to the blood within the vein or the collection device.

This rapid pulling creates a turbulent flow that can physically damage the red blood cells, leading to the release of hemoglobin and other intracellular components into the plasma. This process not only compromises the integrity of the sample but can also interfere with subsequent laboratory tests, affecting their accuracy and reliability. Therefore, careful and gentle handling of the syringe is essential to preserve the quality of the blood specimen and ensure accurate test results.

The other outcomes, while they may seem plausible in certain contexts, are less directly related to the action of pulling the plunger back too quickly. For instance, blood clotting is a biological process that generally occurs over time and is influenced by factors beyond the speed of syringe action. Similarly, the risks of the needle breaking or the syringe becoming stuck are more associated with poor technique or physical obstructions rather than the speed of withdrawal.