What happens when a phlebotomist leave the tourniquet on too long?

When a phlebotomist leaves the tourniquet on for too long, it can lead to several issues, including hemoconcentration, which increases the concentration of cells and proteins in the blood sample. This may result in inaccurate lab results, such as elevated levels of certain analytes. Additionally, prolonged pressure can cause discomfort or pain for the patient, and in some cases, it may lead to complications like bruising or thrombosis. It is generally recommended to keep the tourniquet on for no more than one minute.