What happens when you use an expired blood collection tubes?

Using expired blood collection tubes can compromise the integrity of the blood sample and lead to inaccurate test results. Here are some potential consequences of using expired blood collection tubes:

1. Sample Deterioration: Expired blood collection tubes may contain reagents or additives that have degraded over time, affecting their ability to properly preserve and maintain the stability of the blood sample. This can lead to the deterioration of blood cells, hemolysis (rupture of red blood cells), or altered biochemical properties, making it difficult to obtain accurate test results.

2. Incorrect Results: The expired reagents or additives in the tubes may react differently with the blood sample, causing false high or false low results for certain tests. This can lead to misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment decisions, or unnecessary retesting.

3. Interference with Analysis: Expired blood collection tubes may contain degraded components that can interfere with automated blood analyzers or laboratory assays. This interference can lead to erroneous results or even damage to the analyzer.

4. Compromised Sterility: Expired blood collection tubes may have compromised sterility due to the breakdown of the seals or the expiration of the preservatives. This can increase the risk of bacterial contamination, which can alter the blood sample and lead to unreliable test results.

5. Invalidation of Tests: Laboratories and healthcare providers may reject or invalidate test results obtained from expired blood collection tubes due to concerns about the accuracy and reliability of the sample. This can result in delays in patient diagnosis and treatment and may require additional blood draws.

6. Patient Safety Concerns: Inaccurate test results based on expired blood collection tubes can have serious implications for patient safety. Incorrect diagnoses or inappropriate treatment decisions based on faulty results can lead to adverse events or delayed appropriate care.

It is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's recommended expiration dates for blood collection tubes and ensure proper storage conditions to maintain the integrity and accuracy of blood samples for laboratory testing.