Orders & Patient Preparation
First step before beginning any phlebotomy procedure.
Verify the provider order
Tube color used for coagulation tests.
Light blue
What is the best vein option in the antecubital space.
Median cubital vein
Location rule for labeling specimen containers.
Label immediately before leaving the draw area
Form completed after verifying a phlebotomy order that includes test and diagnosis codes.
Laboratory requisition form
Additive in a lavender-top tube.
EDTA
Tourniquet placement distance above the site.
3–4 inches
Required label elements commonly included on specimens.
Name, DOB, date/time, and MA initials
Resource that contains up-to-date test menus, collection requirements, storage, and transport guidelines.
Laboratory directory
Reason tubes must be collected in the correct order.
To prevent cross-contamination of additives
Maximum time a tourniquet should remain on.
1 minute
Serum processing requirement before centrifugation.
Stand upright 30–45 minutes; no longer than 1 hour
Two identifiers used to confirm patient identity
Name and date of birth
Proper way to mix tubes after collection.
Invert the tube; do not shake
Needle insertion angle for an arm venipuncture.
15–30 degrees
List 2 examples of a preanalytical error
Wrong patient, Mislabeling, Collection errors, Not enough sample, Incorrect handling
Common prep instruction that is often 12 hours or more and may allow water.
Fasting/NPO
What is the gray-top tube used for?
Glucose and alcohol levels
Three site restrictions where you should not draw from the same side.
Fistulas, ports, mastectomy
What is the definition of a critical result?
Life-threatening result requiring immediate intervention