When should the tourniquet be removed during the blood draw process?

The correct timing for removing the tourniquet is at the point once blood flow is established in the collection tube. This practice is crucial in phlebotomy because maintaining the tourniquet until the blood sample is actually taken helps to increase venous pressure, making veins more prominent and easier to puncture. Once blood starts to flow into the collection tube, removing the tourniquet helps to prevent the accumulation of excess fluid in the sample, which could lead to hemolysis or dilution of the blood components. Therefore, it is essential to wait until the blood collection process is effectively underway before releasing the tourniquet to ensure the integrity of the sample.