Anesthesia Technologist Practice Exam

What can cause hemolysis during aspiration in the autotransfusion process?

1. Using large bore suction tips

2. Excessive fluid pressure

3. Small bore suction tips and air co-aspiration

4. Inadequate anticoagulant use

The correct answer is: Small bore suction tips and air co-aspiration

Hemolysis during aspiration in the autotransfusion process can primarily occur due to the combination of using small bore suction tips along with the presence of air in the aspiration. Small bore suction tips can create higher negative pressures during aspiration, leading to injury or rupture of red blood cells. When these small tips are utilized along with air co-aspiration, which may introduce turbulence and shear forces, the risk of hemolysis increases significantly. The combined effect can overwhelm the structural integrity of the red blood cells, causing them to lyse. Understanding the mechanics involved in aspiration is crucial for anesthesia technologists, as the choice of equipment directly impacts patient safety and the efficacy of the autotransfusion process. The introduction of air can create additional challenges, as it can lead to an unstable suction environment and exacerbate any potential damage caused by smaller suction tips. In contrast, larger suction tips generally produce less suction pressure per unit area, reducing the chances of damage to blood components during aspiration. Excessive fluid pressure alone without the specific context of suction type may not directly correlate to hemolysis, nor would inadequate anticoagulant use primarily result in hemolysis, as its role is more about preventing clot formation rather than directly affecting the integrity of red blood cells