Order of Draw
What is the first tube in the order of draw when using a multi-tube collection?
Yellow (SPS)
What additive is in the lavender-top tube and what test is it commonly used for?
EDTA - CBC, Sed Rate, HgbA1c
What is the first step in the patient identification process?
Ask the patient to state and spell their full name and date of birth
What is the most common site for a heel stick on a newborn?
plantar lateral medial surface
What law protects patient privacy and personal health information?
HIPAA
What tube color is drawn just before lavender?
Green
Which tube is used for PT/INR testing?
Light Blue (Sodium Citrate)
What should you do if a patient refuses a blood draw?
Respect the refusal and notify the nurse or physician (document)
What does a blood culture test screen for?
Presence of bacteria or infection in the blood
What type of consent is given when a patient extends their arm for a blood draw?
Implied consent
Why is the order of draw important in phlebotomy?
To prevent cross-contamination of additives
Which tube has no additive and is used for serum testing?
Red-Top
What is the purpose of wearing gloves during venipuncture?
To protect both the patient and the phlebotomist from bloodborne pathogens
At what age is a newborn screening test typically performed?
24 to 48 hours after birth
True or False: A phlebotomist can share test results with a patient’s family without written consent.
False
What is the correct order of draw for the following tubes: Light Blue, Red, Lavender, Green?
Light Blue → Red → Green → Lavender
Which tube contains heparin and is commonly used for electrolyte or stat chemistry tests?
Green (Heparin tube)
What is the minimum number of patient identifiers required before performing a blood draw?
Two (e.g., full name and DOB)
When drawing from an ER trauma patient with IVs in both arms, where should you attempt collection?
Below the IV site, have the nurse d/c the line for 1-2 min.
What is the term for touching a patient without consent?
Battery
Daily Double - Order of Draw for STAT collection
CMP, PT/INR, CBC
Lt. Blue, Green, Lavender
What is the additive in the gray tube, and what test is it typically used for?
Potassium oxalate and sodium fluoride – Glucose testing
What action must be taken immediately if a phlebotomist is accidentally stuck with a needle?
Wash the area for min 15-30 seconds, report the incident, and follow exposure protocol
Daily Double - What is a common pre-analytical error that can affect potassium?
Hemolysis due to improper technique or vigorous shaking of tubes.
A phlebotomist receives a STAT lab order for a patient but notices the requisition form has a different patient name than the ID band. What should the phlebotomist do?
Do not proceed with the draw and immediately report the discrepancy to the ordering provider.