Venipuncture
What is Hemolysis?
It is the destruction of red blood cells with release of hemoglobin into the plasma.
What gauge needle do you use for this method?
You can use a 22 gauge needle.
What degree do you insert the needle into the vein?
You need to insert the needle into the vein at a 15-20 degree angle.
What finger do you use for this method?
ring/ great finger
How many times should you invert the tube?
6-8 times
How long do you have to remove the tourniquet? Why?
You have 60 seconds to remove the tourniquet because it can cause nerve and tissue damage.
What motion should you cleanse the site?
You should cleanse the site in a circular motion
What should you do with the first drop of blood?
Wipe the first drop away.
When should you replace your biohazard sharps container?
When the container is ¾ full.
What is the order of draw?
Yellow, Light blue, Red, Gold,Green, Lavender, Gray
What would cause a patient to bleed excessively? What should you do?
If they have a bleeding disorder (hemophilia) or are taking certain medication therapy. You should apply pressure longer after removing the needle and apply a cohesive pressure dressing after the procedure.
What areas should you avoid when preforming this method?
Any area that is callused, burned, cyanotic, red, scarred, or showing signs of injury or infection.
What is the medical assistant's role in phlebotomy?
It is to properly collect, label, and perhaps to process or store the specimen.
Where should you apply the tourniquet?
3-4 inches above the antecubital space.
What could affect you performing venipuncture on one of the patient’s arms?
Mastectomy, port, or a fistula.
Where should you do the capillary puncture if you have a child under 1 year of age and why?
On the heel because their finger is not large enough to yield a sufficient sample?
What are the three methods of venipuncture?
The three methods are the vacuum tube method, the syringe and needle method, and the butterfly method.
What should you label on the tubes?
You should label the patient's name,date,time, MR# and your initials.
What if your patient refuses to have their blood drawn? What can override a patient's right to refuse to have their blood drawn?
explain the reason for the test and its importance in the patient’s care in a nonthreatening manner. If the patient still refuses, notify the doctor and document the refusal in the chart. A court order can override a patient's right to refuse blood draw.
What test are capillary blood used for?
blood for glucose, cholesterol, hemoglobin A1C, and hematocrit levels.