Routine Venipuncture
When performing a draw using the evacuated tube system (ETS), this is the specific angle at which the needle should enter the skin.
What is 15 to 30 degrees?
This measurement refers to the diameter of the needle lumen; the higher the number, the smaller the needle.
What is Gauge?
This liquid is obtained from a "Plain Red" or "SST" tube after the blood has fully clotted.
What is Serum?
When a doctor orders a Lactic Acid test (often for sepsis), this tube is used because its additives stop glycolysis (the breakdown of sugar).
What is Gray? Sodium Fluoride Potassium Oxalate
What Can Occur when the tourniquet is left on too long?
what is Hemoconcentration and temporary numbness
These "winged" sets are often used for pediatric patients or those with fragile, small veins.
What are Butterfly needles?
To obtain this liquid, you must use a tube containing an anticoagulant, such as heparin or EDTA
What is Plasma?
When drawing blood cultures, which tube should be draw first? Aerobic, or Anaerobic? Which Tube should be drawn if you can only obtain one blood culture?
Aerobic
What may occur if the alcohol isn't allowed to dry before a blood draw?
What is hemolysis, when the alcohol damages the red blood cells.
To prevent accidental needlesticks, this safety feature must be activated using a one-handed technique immediately after withdrawal.
What is a Safety Shield (or Needle Safety Device)?
What does the "buffy coat" consist of?
White Blood Cells (WBCs) and Platelets
A Lavender top tube drawn for a CBC w/ Diff is sent to this department, where technicians study the size, shape, and count of blood cells.
What is Hematology?
This is the preferred vein for venipuncture because it is generally large, well-anchored, and least painful for the patient.
What is the Median Cubital vein?
What can occur when a patient experiences too many blood draws?
What is Iatrogenic anemia
This is the specific term for the needle's slanted tip, which should always face upward during insertion.
What is the Bevel?
This term describes serum or plasma that appears milky or cloudy, usually due to high fat/lipid content in the patient's blood.
What is Lipemic?
What additive is in the Orange Tube?
Thrombin
When performing a draw using the evacuated tube system (ETS), this is the specific angle at which the needle should enter the skin.
What is 15 to 30 degrees?
This gel-like substance found in "SST" tubes creates a physical barrier between the serum and the cells during centrifugation.
What is a Thixotropic Gel (or Serum Separator)?
This dark yellow to orange-brown discoloration of serum or plasma is caused by increased bilirubin and often indicates liver issues.
What is Icteric?
List the order of draw by color and additive.
Sterile - Blood cultures, Light blue - Na Citrate Red - Clot activator, no additive SST - Clot activator, no additive Green - Heparin, Lavendar - EDTA Pink - EDTA Gray - Sodium Fluoride/Potassium Oxalate