LEGAL & ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
What agency is responsible for the health and safety of workers?
OSHA
When should a phlebotomist wash their hands?
Before and after the draw
What test do you draw without a tourniquet?
Lactic acid
Why is it important to ask for feedback when communicating with a patient?
To make sure they understand what is being said
What is the recommended disinfectant to clean up blood, or other bodily fluid contamination?
Sodium Hypochlorite (bleach)
Is it okay to use 70% isopropyl alcohol for cleansing the site when drawing blood for ethanol testing?
NO
If a patient extends his or her arm, this is an example of what type of consent?
Implied consent
What PPE is required when drawing blood and handling blood products?
Gloves
What can be caused by leaving the tourniquet on too long?
Hemoconcentration
Informed consent is required for?
Invasive surgery and Biopsy
What uses heat, steam, and chemicals?
Sterilization
What does the term hematoma mean?
Blood leaking from the vessel under the skin
What agency mandates a written exposure plan and what contains documentation of chemical safety & precautions
OSHA & SDS log
What is the FIRST thing you will do in case of an accidental needle stick?
Wash the site for 30/60 seconds with soap and water
What would be a reason for a light blue top to be rejected for processing?
QNS (quantity not sufficient)
If a coworker comes back late from lunch and asks you to cover for him or her, what will you do?
Tell them you cannot cover for them.
When drawing from an HIV patient, what extra precautions do you need to take?
None, always wear gloves
If a specimen is lipemic, what can this be an indication of?
A Patient not fasting
What is it that states that a patient has the right to refuse medical procedures and be informed of all consequences in doing so?
Patient bill of rights
What Bloodborne Pathogen can remain on surfaces for up to 7 days if not properly disinfected?
HBV (Hepatitis B)
If a patient presents to the lab for a fasting glucose blood draw but indicates he or she is NOT fasting, what should the Phlebotomist do?
Draw anyway and document “non-fasting.”
What agency mandates a written exposure plan?
OSHA
What is the #1 way to prevent cross contamination of micro-organisms from one patient to another?
Hand washing (Hand decontamination)
What is the normal BP for an adult?
120/80
If a patient comes in asking for results, what should you do?
Advise them to make an appt with their Dr.
What type of isolation requires special handling and ventilation?
Airborne Isolation
What is outside of the normal range for BP on an adult?
139/94 (high)
If you draw blood from a patient without his or her consent what can the Phlebotomist be charged with?
Battery
What is the most important part of blood culture collection?
Aseptic procedure (cleansing of the site)
What can happen if you draw an EDTA tube before a serum tube?
Cross contamination resulting in high potassium levels, and false low calcium levels
If you suspect child or elder abuse or neglect, what should you do?
Notify your supervisor
According to OSHA why do we activate the safety feature on a needle?
To prevent accidental needle sticks
Sweating, looking pale, and complaining of blurred vision can be signs of what?
Vasovagal Syncope
What is the purpose of patient ID numbers being on the tube labels?
Avoiding confusing patients with the same first and last name
What contains documentation of chemical safety and precautions?
SDS log
How long should a specimen drawn in an SST tube be allowed to sit and clot before centrifugation?
30 to 60 minutes