What complication can arise from performing phlebotomy with too small of a needle gauge?

Performing phlebotomy with too small of a needle gauge can lead to hemolysis, which is the breakdown of red blood cells. When blood is drawn through a needle that is too narrow, it creates an increased amount of pressure on the red blood cells as they are forced through the small opening. This pressure can damage the cell membrane, resulting in the release of hemoglobin into the plasma, which not only alters test results but can also make the blood sample unusable for certain analyses.

In terms of the other potential complications, while prolonged bleeding and difficulty drawing blood might occur with improperly sized needles, they are typically linked to factors like the patient's condition or technique rather than the gauge itself. An increased risk of infection is also not directly associated with the size of the needle, as infection risk typically relates more to aseptic technique than to needle gauge. Thus, focusing on the implications of hemolysis highlights a significant concern that can directly stem from using an inadequate needle size during phlebotomy.