Priorities
Totally "Tube"ular
Blood Cultures
Codes
Quality and Safety
100

This priority means that the phlebotomist has 15 minutes to complete the draw. 

What is a STAT collection?

100

This tube type is often used for STAT chemistry testing because the clotting time is eliminated. 

What is a PST (mint) tube?

100

8-10 ml in aerobic and 8-10 ml in anaerobic bottle. 

What is the correct volume of blood to collect for blood cultures?

100

This code stands for controlled access in the ED. 

What is Code Yellow?

100

True or False:

It is okay to search for veins without gloves on as long as I put gloves on for the draw. 

FALSE 

ALWAYS wear gloves for any contact with the patient. 

200

This priority code is used for specific testing such as Troponin, or medication levels. The phlebotomist has a 10-minute window before or after the time listed for the test in order to complete this draw. 

What is Timing Critical?

200

This tube type is created when special processing is needed for a sample and also generates a new label. 

What is an aliquot?

200

True or false: 

The pre-cleansing wipe is only used if the patient's arm is visibly soiled. 

FALSE

The pre-cleansing wipe is used every time, prior to applying the chlorohexidine. 

200

This code represents a threatening person.

What is code Silver?

200

True or False

Hand Hygiene (washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer) is required before and after every patient encounter- in the presence of the patient. 

TRUE 

300

True or False:

It is okay to leave Blood cultures on the board for the next shift, or to be completed with morning rounds the next day. 

FALSE!

All blood cultures should be treated as a high priority draw and collected as soon as possible. Blood cultures collected after 3 hours are considered a fall out from our sepsis protocol. It is vital to complete these collections in a timely manner- never leave them for the next shift to do. 

300

Less common than an SST – it is used for biochemistry tests requiring serum which might be adversely affected by the separator gel used in the SST tubes. 

What is a red top tube?

300

This can compromise quality of care and lead to unnecessary antibiotic exposure and prolonged length of hospitalization.

What is blood culture contamination?

300

Code Pink

What is the code that represents and infant and child abduction?

300

True or False

Snacks and drinks are allowed wherever I want to have them, on my inpatient cart, draw room and processing room, as long as patients do not see. 

FALSE

Food and drinks are only allowed in designated areas. Patient Care areas are not allowed to have food or drinks at any time, for your safety. 

400

This priority has a 2-hour collection window but should be collected as quickly as the phlebotomy team is able. 

What is ASAP?


400

The additive in this tube is heparin. 

What is a green top tube?

400
This step requires a 30 second vigorous hash tag motion, up and down and side to side in order to best prepare the skin for blood culture collection. 

What is a friction scrub? 

400

This code represents disaster, and also means that the ED is full- no one leaves the workspace without permission in order to help support the ED. 

What is a code black?

400

• I will speak up until I am heard and listen until I hear. 

• I will use the Bronson safety phrase, “I have a concern.” 

• I will strive to keep every person safe - every day, every time, everywhere

What is Bronson's safety promise?

500

STAT, Timing Critical, TIMED, ASAP, Routine 

What is the order of prioritization for inpatient draws?

500

 Potassium oxalate and Sodium fluoride are the additives in this tube type. 

What is the grey tube?

500

True or false:

Placing alcohol pads on top of the blood culture bottles is a mandatory step in the blood culture procedure. 

TRUE 

500

Rescue People

Activate Alarm

Confine Fire

Extinguish 

What does safety code R.A.C.E. stand for?

500

True or false 

Only management can enter a patient safety report. 

FALSE

Everyone is able to enter a patient safety report. The link to reporting a safety event is located on the intranet- key word to search is "safety" 

M
e
n
u