Safety & Compliance
What is the maximum amount of time you can leave the tourniquet on?
60 seconds
How would we instruct a patient to fast prior to venipuncture?
Nothing to eat or drink for 8-12 hours (facility specific) besides water
What may be a cause of a vein collapsing during a venipuncture
Tourniquet to tight or too close to site. Too much vacuum for too small of a vein
How long must we apply pressure to the site after obtaining blood?
5 minutes ( or until the bleeding stops)
Which tube is collected immediately after the light blue tube?
Red top
You must check all of your equipment's __________ ________ prior to use
Expiration Date
What information is required to confirm a patient's identity?
full name, and DOB
A phlebotomy technician is performing a venipuncture through a hematoma. What should you expect to see in the specimen?
Hemolysis
When do we label the tubes?
Immediately after the draw in front of the patient
How long must serum tubes be allowed to clot before centrifuging?
30 minutes (maximum of 2 hours
The Joint Commission and CLSI require a minimum of this many patient identifiers?
Two
How long must you allow the alcohol prep to dry prior to venipuncture?
30 seconds minimum, longer if it is still wet
How many times are we allowed to attempt a venipuncture?
Two times
Name two things that might cause hemolysis?
Answers will vary
What tube is collected after the green top tube?
Lavender
How long must you OBSERVE the venipuncture site to ensure it has stopped bleeding?
5-10 seconds
What position would you place a patient who has advised of prior syncope when having their blood drawn?
Supine position
A phlebotomy technician accidentally punctures the patient's artery. What signs would you see to confirm this?
Bright red blood pulsing into the tube
When do we invert the tubes?
Immediately after collection
When are blood cultures collected in the standard order of draw?
Always first
According to OSHA and the WHO, HCWs must follow hand hygiene protocols, including maintain our fingernails in what manner ?
Clean, short, no acrylic or nail polish (including clear)
Describe the correct method for cleansing prior to venipuncture?
Friction scrub, back and forth motion 2-3 inches in area
A technician is performing a venipuncture and the patient begins to pass out. What is the first thing you must do?
Discontinue the draw. Remove the tourniquet and the needle
What instructions do we provide to the patient after a blood draw?
Leave the bandage on for 15-30 minutes, no heavy lifting (including most purses) or exercising for 1-2 hours
Describe when we would need to use a waste tube?
When using a butterfly needle and the first tube is a light blue top.