What is the maximum time a tourniquet should be left on?

The maximum time a tourniquet should be left on during venipuncture is typically around 1 minute. This duration helps minimize the risk of complications associated with prolonged application, such as hemoconcentration, which can alter test results, and potential discomfort or injury to the patient.

Leaving a tourniquet applied for longer can lead to increased pressure in the veins and surrounding tissues, leading to breakdown of red blood cells and affecting the integrity of the sample collected. This time limit is crucial to ensure accurate lab results and to maintain patient safety during the blood collection process. Therefore, adhering to the guideline of no longer than 1 minute for tourniquet application is vital in clinical practice.