Influence of tourniquet application; on selected chemical analytes

ABSTRACT

The objective of the study was to determine the mean change in selected chemical analytes with and without application of tourniquet. Blood samples were collected from all persons irrespective of age and gender visiting pathology laboratory, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. The study was a Quasi experimental study. The study was carried out in Pathology Laboratory, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur on Selectra XL and Easy lyte. October 2011 to April 2012. Blood samples were taken from both arms of 265 volunteer with one difference that standardized external pressure of 60 mm Hg was applied by using a sphygmomanometer for one minute on one arm and on other arm blood sample was collected without application of tourniquet. Samples with tourniquet application showed statistically significant mean increase in serum concentration of protein [p =0.001], cholesterol [p=0.03], calcium [p =0.007] and potassium [p=0.0001]. The mean concentration of serum sodium and chloride showed no statistically significant change after one minute of tourniquet application. The tourniquet application of one minute influence certain laboratory parameters, so its use should be kept to a minimum