What is the minimum length of time a tourniquet should remain on before venipuncture?

The minimum length of time a tourniquet should remain on before venipuncture is indeed less than 2 minutes. Keeping a tourniquet in place for this short duration helps to distend the veins for easier access while minimizing the potential for hemoconcentration, which can affect the accuracy of the test results. If the tourniquet is left on for too long—typically more than 2 minutes—the blood components can start to change, leading to inaccurate results due to factors such as increased concentration of certain analytes.

This time frame is a widely accepted standard in phlebotomy practices to ensure that blood samples remain reliable and that the procedure can be performed smoothly, reducing patient discomfort and the risk of complications. Therefore, the correct answer aligns with established phlebotomy guidelines that prioritize both patient safety and the integrity of the blood samples collected.