INFLUENCE OF TOURNIQUET APPLICATION;

ON SELECTED CHEMICAL ANALYTES

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the mean change in selected chemical analytes with and without
application of tourniquet. Data source: Blood samples were collected from all persons irrespective of age and gender visiting pathology
laboratory, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur. Study design: The study was a Quasi experimental study. Setting: The study
was carried out in Pathology Laboratory, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College, Bahawalpur on Selectra XL and Easy lyte. Period: October 2011
to April 2012. Subject and method: 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. Results: 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.
Conclusions: The tourniquet application of one minute influence certain laboratory parameters, so its use should be kept to a minimum.