Equipment Basics
The most common antiseptic used to clean a venipuncture site.
70% isopropyl alcohol
The hollow opening of a needle is called this.
the lumen
The additive found in lavender tubes.
EDTA
This document provides the patient’s name, DOB, physician, and requested tests.
a requisition form
The most important step in phlebotomy to prevent errors.
patient identification
This piece of equipment is used to make veins bulge for easier location.
a tourniquet
This small needle device is also called a “butterfly.”
a winged infusion set
This tube contains sodium citrate and is used for coagulation testing.
the light blue tube
The minimum number of identifiers you must use to confirm a patient’s identity.
two
The preferred vein for venipuncture
median cubital vein
After needle removal, this material is applied to the site to stop bleeding.
a 2×2 gauze square
This act, passed in 2000, requires safety devices to protect healthcare workers from needlesticks.
the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act
This tube contains sodium fluoride and is used for glucose testing.
the gray tube
This Medicare form must be signed by patients before receiving services that may not be covered.
an ABN (Advanced Beneficiary Notice)
The angle at which a venipuncture needle should be inserted.
15–30 degrees
This should always be kept clean, well-stocked, and carried on a solid surface away from patient items.
a phlebotomy tray
This needle device allows multiple tubes to be collected from a single venipuncture.
a multisample needle
This type of tube has a polymer gel that forms a barrier between serum/plasma and blood cells.
SST (serum separator tube)
What should you do if a patient refuses a blood draw?
Notify the nurse/physician, have the patient sign refusal, and document in the chart.
Why must the tourniquet be removed before withdrawing the needle?
To prevent hematoma formation
Explain the difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant.
Antiseptic is used on living tissue; disinfectant is used on surfaces.
Name two features of safety-engineered needles that reduce risk of exposure.
retractable mechanisms and self-capping shields
Which tube is specifically designed for lead testing and contains less than 0.1 mcg/mL of lead?
the tan tube?
List three key purposes of a requisition.
Ensures correct patient identification, specifies the specimen/tests, and provides preparation/handling instructions.
List the main steps of routine venipuncture in correct order.
Identify patient → Prepare/position → Apply tourniquet → Select/palpate vein → Clean site → Insert needle → Fill tubes → Remove tourniquet → Withdraw needle/safety → Apply pressure → Label tubes → Attend to patient → Deliver specimen.