Chemistry labs off...drawn from IV line?

[kernelmom3]

We just got home from DS Remicade infusion. Everything went great (Thank God) but we got a call on the way home about his labs. His labs look good except his electrolytes/chemistry. The nurse asked if DS has been having lots of diarrhea. I told her not at all and she asked if his labs were drawn from the vein or the IV line. I told her that the IV nurse put his IV in and flushed it and then realized she needed to get blood. So she was able to use the IV to get blood but it came out slowly and she didn't fill the tubes all the way. She said she'd talk to the doctor and call me back. Anyone ever experience this? Could the labs be a precursor for a flare that's starting?

 

[my little penguin]

Specimens collected from IV lines are often contaminated with IV fluid, hemolyzed or both

From
http://www.bd.com/vacutainer/labnotes/Volume17Number1/


I wouldnt worry about the numbers since they didn't get a good sample

 

[Trysha]

Blood samples for laboratory diagnoses should never be taken through an
IV line since incorrect results occur due to dilutional factors and meds or other fluids running through the
IV
The tests should be repeated and correct amounts of blood should fill the tubes.
to achieve meaningful results
I agree with the above comment by my little penguin
Trysha