Which action is likely to cause hemolysis of a blood sample?

Hemolysis refers to the destruction of red blood cells, which can lead to the release of their contents into the serum or plasma, potentially affecting the accuracy of various laboratory tests. The action of shaking the blood sample is particularly damaging because it creates excessive mechanical stress on the red blood cells. When blood is shaken rather than gently mixed, the turbulence can cause the fragile cell membranes of red blood cells to rupture, leading to hemolysis.

Other actions, like using a small gauge needle or allowing the sample to clot, may have their own implications, but they are less likely to directly induce hemolysis in the way that vigorous shaking does. Mixing gently is appropriate because it prevents the cells from being subjected to undue stress and minimizes the risk of hemolysis. The focus in practice is on preserving the integrity of blood specimens to ensure accurate test results.