What should be the maximum time a tourniquet is applied before drawing blood?

The maximum time a tourniquet should be applied before drawing blood is 1 minute. Keeping the tourniquet on for this duration helps to adequately distend the veins without causing complications such as hemoconcentration. Hemoconcentration can lead to an increase in the concentration of certain substances in the blood, which may give inaccurate lab results.

Applying the tourniquet for a shorter duration also minimizes discomfort to the patient and reduces the risk of complications related to prolonged constriction of blood flow, such as bruising or damage to the veins. It's essential for phlebotomy technicians to be mindful of the time a tourniquet is used, ensuring they act efficiently and within the recommended guidelines for best practices in blood collection.