After collecting an arterial sample, it is necessary to remove any air bubbles from the syringe because... After collecting an arterial sample, it is necessary to remove any air bubbles from the syringe because... CO2 in bubbles can diffuse into the sample, thus increasing the sample CO2 value and altering the pH results CO2 in the sample can diffuse into out of the sample, thus reducing the sample CO2 value and altering the pH results The presence of air will decrease clotting time of the sample The presence of air will increase the clotting time of the sample