What is the first step before drawing blood?
(Verify patient ID)
What color tube is used for PT/INR and what is the additive?
Light blue-sodium citrate
What is correct angle for insertion of the needle for venipuncture?
15 to 30 degrees
Refuse and place tube in sharps container
Notify supervisor
What type of infection control is required before and after patient contact?
(Hand hygiene)
What color tube is used for CBC and what is the additive?
Lavender/EDTA
What angle should be used when using a butterfly needle?
10 degrees
Chris drew blood from his patient who had an order for CBC, CMP and GTT. He drew lavender, light blue and grey. Did he do the right procedure?
No CMP goes in SST and light blue comes before lavender however light blue not needed for this draw.
Allyson is drawing blood from a patient who has refused several times. What can Allyson be charged with?
Battery
PPE needed for airborne precautions
(N95 mask, gown, gloves if needed)
Tube for chemistry panels with clot activator
(Gold/SST)
Patient is having a BAC drawn. What should the phlebotomist know not to do when cleaning the site?
Do not use alcohol or iodine
James brings in a sputum specimen and says it is from this evening before bed. What is the error?
Sputum should be collected first thing in the morning.
The patient hears a phlebotomist say "if you don't quit I am going to hit you." This would be
Assault
Correct needle disposal
(Sharps container immediately)
Grey/sodium fluoride and potassium oxalate
Leave and find the nurse. Do not do the draw if wristband is not in place.
Specimen was not refrigerated
A patient asks personal questions about your life while you’re performing a blood draw. You answer politely but keep the focus on the procedure and patient care. This shows maintaining boundaries and respect for patient privacy.
Professionalism
Sally has been splashed in the eye with blood from a patient. What is the first step?
Wash eyes at the eye station
What tubes come in anaerobic and aerobic?
Blood cultures
Ice slurry
What can happen to a blood specimen if it is shaken instead of gently rotated?
You notice a coworker is not wearing gloves while drawing blood. You politely remind them to follow safety protocols to protect both patients and staff. This professional behavior demonstrates your commitment to safety and ethics.
Accountability