Basics of Blood Testing for a DWI / DUI
If a sample for blood testing was extracted from an individual following a DUI / DWI arrest, errors in the collection, transportation and blood testing may have occurred. The following is a list of some of those collection, transportation, and blood testing errors:
- The blood sample extraction site on the individual’s arm was not properly
sterilized. - The needle for blood sample extraction was improperly assembled.
- The needle was improperly asserted for blood sample extraction.
- The sample for blood testing was drawn from the wrong area of the body.
- The tubes used for blood sample collection were expired.
- The amount of blood extracted for blood testing was too little.
- Preservative and anti-clotting chemicals in the blood sample collection tube were improperly mixed with the blood sample.
- The blood sample collection tube had a faulty seal.
- The blood sample was stored improperly prior to blood testing.
- Medical personnel administered intravenous fluids and/or drugs prior to the extraction of the blood sample.
- The laboratory technician failed to follow laboratory protocols
for blood testing. - The laboratory failed to properly maintain the machine used
for blood testing. - The laboratory failed to properly test the blood sample.
