Am I Ready?
The vein most commonly used for routine venipuncture.
Median cubital vein
The first tube drawn in standard venipuncture when using multiple tubes
Yellow Tube
Why is order of draw necessary?
To prevent additive carryover contamination
Swelling under the skin after a draw indicates this complication
Hematoma
A patient says they are allergic to latex. What must you do before proceeding?
use latex-free gloves and equipment
The correct angle of needle insertion for venipuncture
15-30 degrees
Tube color used for coagulation studies
Light Blue (sodium citrate)
Tubes must be gently inverted how many times after collection?
8-10 times depending on tube color
The maximum time a tourniquet should remain in place
1 Minute
Tube that contains EDTA and used for CBC
Lavender
Why must the tourniquet be released before removing the needle?
To prevent hematoma formation and hemoconcentration, and pull of blood
Fasting specimen typically requires how much time?
8-12 hours
Specimens should always be labeled
Right after collection/bedside
first action if a patient faints (syncope) during a draw
Stop the draw and lower the patients head/ensure safety
Additive in light blue tube
Sodium Citrate
The proper antiseptic used for routine blood collection
70% isopropyl alcohol
Probing (fishing) a vein increases the risk of
Nerve injury or hematoma
The patient is on anticoagulants. What special care in required after needle removal?
Apply extended pressure for at least 3-5 mins
You accidently draw out of order what is the next step?
Discard and recollect to prevent contamination
Specimens are placed in ice immediately to prevent what?
Analyte breakdown or metabolic changes
A hemolyzed specimen can appears this color due to what?
Pink/Red serum
Drawing above an IV can cause this error in lab results?
Dilution of specimen
Prolonged tourniquet time can cause
Elevated lab values and hemoconcentration
A patients specimen clots in a lavender tube. What likely occured?
Insufficient mixing or delayed inversion, causing clot formation
What happens if light blue tube is underfilled?
Incorrect blood to anticoagulation ratio, that leads to inaccurate coagulation results.