I just noticed I had 3 potassium redraws in the 6 a.m. run after switching from 21G straight needles to 23G butterflies (BD Safety-Lok with a vacutainer holder). Is this a gauge issue or my technique — why do we do it that way on tough morning draws if it keeps bouncing?
This is usually the vacuum, not the gauge — 23G + a full‑vac tube through butterfly tubing can beat up cells like a fire hose through a soda straw, especially if it ‘keeps bouncing.’ Try pediatric/low‑vacuum SSTs for those morning sticks; 23G itself is fine — are your redraws mostly from BD gold tops?
@avahol98 On BD Safety‑Lok 23G, try a [redacted] partial‑draw or discard first; bouncing? shallower.