Not a vein...
Small plastic tubes designed to collect capillary blood.
micro-collection device.
Where is the preferred puncture site for obtaining a capillary puncture in infants?
the outer edge of the underside of the heel
When should blood collection tubes be labeled?
immediately after the procedure is completed—before the tubes are moved away from the area where the procedure takes place
What kind of postanalytical errors can occur after specimen collection and processing?
failure in reporting results
improper data entry
misinterpretation of results
What is the most common reaction to phlebotomy procedures?
Fainting (vasovagal syncope)
When is capillary puncture performed?
when only a small amount of blood is needed for testing
when immediate results can be acquired
Why should a CCMA NEVER perform a capillary puncture on the finger of an infant?
risk of damage to the bone is high
What information is required to be handwritten on the blood tube if there are no printed labels available?
Pt’s full name
DOB
Date of collection
Time of collection
CCMA initials
What are some examples of timed specimens?
herapeutic drug level monitoring to confirm the patient’s medication dosage and adherence
oral glucose tolerance test (GTT), which evaluates glucose levels over time to assess for diabetes
Blood cultures
Specimens needed as evidence in court cases
Blood alcohol levels
Drug screening
when are providers required to review and acknowledge all test results?
prior to their inclusion in the medical record
mixture of blood from arterioles, venules, capillaries, and intracellular and interstitial fluids
capillary blood
What are three ways to warm a patient’s hand or heel prior to a capillary puncture?
Rub hands together
Run hands under warm water
Heel warmer
What are two blood processing requirements listed in the laboratory directory?
Serum must be allowed to stand upright at room temperature for 30 to 45 min before being centrifuged.
Clotted blood must stand upright at room temperature for 30 - 45 min.
What do critical results usually indicate?
a life-threatening emergency for the patient if immediate intervention does not occur. The Joint Commission has determined that each organization can determine what is considered critical and how soon it must be reported.
What happens during centrifugation of blood specimens?
he blood collection tubes rotate at a high rate of speed. This causes heavier elements within the specimen to be pulled to the bottom of the tube, separating from the lighter specimen elements at the top. weight in certrifuge must always be balanced!
What blood collection devices are appropriate for a capillary puncture?
Micropipette
Small glass tube (capillary tube)
Micro-collection devices
Glucometer and testing strip
Screening card or paper
Plastic testing cartridge or cassette
What order of draw is recommended for skin punctures?
Blood gasses
EDTA tubes
Other additive tubes
Serum tubes
What are six examples of preanalytical errors?
mislabeling of specimens
errors in patient identification
mislabeling of specimen tubes
sample collection errors
insufficient quantity for testing
incorrect handling or transporting processes
What are emergent results referred to as?
ritical lab results or critical lab values- they will contact office by phone.
What is “clotted blood”?
Blood obtained when drawn in a tube that does not contain an anticoagulant.
Where is the preferred puncture site for obtaining a capillary puncture in adults and children?
middle or ring finger of the nondominant hand
What does the CCMA cleanse the capillary puncture site with prior to procedure?
70% isopropyl alcohol pad
What are preanalytical error considerations?
errors that can occur prior, during, or immediately after performing the venipuncture procedures
Should the CCMA ever answer questions for one patient based on the responses the provider gave to another patient with the same results?
NO!!!
How long should bandaging be left in place after phlebotomy or capillary puncture procedures?
15 min