What can happen if blood is drawn above an IV site?

Drawing blood above an IV site can result in contamination of the blood sample with IV fluids. This is because the IV administration can introduce substances such as saline, medications, or other fluids directly into the bloodstream. If blood is drawn from an area above where the IV is placed, the sample may include these infused substances, which can significantly affect laboratory test results, leading to inaccurate interpretations.

It's important for phlebotomy technicians to be aware of this potential contamination when collecting blood samples, as accurate diagnostic results are crucial for patient care.