What action is a perfusionist likely to take if hemolysis is noted during a procedure?

When hemolysis is noted during a procedure, a perfusionist is likely to check the circuit for kinks. Hemolysis, which is the destruction of red blood cells, can occur due to various factors within the perfusion circuit. One common cause is increased shear stress from turbulence or obstruction within the circuit, which can happen if there are kinks or bends in the tubing.

By checking the circuit for kinks, the perfusionist aims to identify and resolve any areas that could be causing turbulence or excessive pressure on the blood cells, thus mitigating hemolysis. Maintaining an optimal flow through the circuit minimizes risks to the patient by ensuring that the red blood cells remain intact and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is preserved.

Other actions, such as increasing pump speed, may exacerbate hemolysis if kinks or obstructions are present, as that would amplify the shear forces acting on the red blood cells. Switching to different tubing or increasing anticoagulant dosage might not directly address the underlying issue of mechanical stress contributing to hemolysis. Therefore, assessing for kinks in the circuit is the most appropriate initial response in this scenario.