Safety & Compliance
What are the next steps after releasing the tourniquet?
Remove the tube, then the needle, apply gauze. (Remember TTN, Tourniquet, Tube, Needle)
Which tube contains sodium citrate?
Light blue top
How long must you visually observe the sight after the draw to confirm they have stopped bleeding?
5-10 seconds
What would you do if you enter a patients room and they are sleeping?
Wake them gently
Which tube is drawn immediately after the SST tube according to the standard order of draw
Light Green Lithium Heparin PST tube
A phlebotomy tech experiences a needle-stick injury while performing a venipuncture, what should the tech do?
Immediately flush the area with water for 30 seconds
Most common angle to perform a venipuncture with a straight needle
15-30 degrees
A patient tells you they get "woozy" when they see blood, how should the patient be seated
Perform the draw while they lay down or in a reclined position
What would you do if you received an order but were unsure which tube to use for the test requested?
Look in the reference manual or the online test directory
Which tube are trace free element tubes
Royal blue
What piece of equipment is removed AFTER leaving a pts room and shutting the door?
Respirator
When is it appropriate to use a 23G butterfly needle?
Small or fragile veins
A patient asks the tech about the pain from a venipuncture (i.e does this hurt?). What is a valid response?
"It may hurt, like a pinch. Tell me if it does"
What would you do if you enter a patients room to draw for a STAT CBC and the patients doctor is in the room?
Politely ask the provider if they mind if you proceed, or if they prefer that you return later
Who would not be allowed to refuse treatment/blood draw
A minor or mentally incompetent, also for legal reasons
How long must you apply pressure after a blood draw?
3-5 minutes
The most important step in any routine sample collection is:
Identifying the patient
The first step in performing venipuncture?
Obtain order from provider
Wat would you do if you enter a patients room and they do not have a wristband on their arm, but it is on their side table?
Do not draw the blood. notify the nurse that you are unable to draw the patient until they are wearing the correct wristband.
Why do we no longer use cotton balls during blood collection?
The cotton fibers may stick to the the scab that it forming and the patient can begin bleeding again
What to do when you see a hematoma developing at site of venous blood draw?
Release the tourniquet and immediately discontinue the draw
Green tube top contains ..
sodium heparin or lithium heparin
How long should the alcohol dry before poking the patient?
30-60 seconds
What would you do if you have an order to draw a patient and they are in a wheelchair?
Safest to have the patient remain in their chair. Make sure the wheels are locked. Use an armrest to position the patients arm for the draw
Which tubes may be used as discard/waste tubes
White non additive, red glass non additive