Patient Preparation
Before collecting blood, the phlebotomist must use at least two of these, such as the patient's full name and date of birth.
What are patient identifiers?
When ordered, these sterile specimens are collected before other tubes.
What are blood cultures?
This vein, found in the center of the antecubital area, is usually the first choice for venipuncture.
What is the median cubital vein?
This additive in lavender-top tubes prevents clotting and is commonly used for hematology tests.
What is EDTA?
Gloves are required during blood collection as part of these infection-control practices applied to every patient.
What are standard precautions?
This document or electronic request provides the tests ordered and patient information.
What is a laboratory requisition?
This light-blue tube follows blood cultures in the standard venous order of draw.
What is the sodium citrate tube?
A tourniquet is generally placed this distance above the intended puncture site.
What is 3 to 4 inches, or approximately 7.5 to 10 cm?
This additive is found in light-blue tubes used for coagulation testing.
What is sodium citrate?
A used needle must be placed immediately into this container without bending, breaking, or recapping it.
What is a puncture-resistant sharps container?
The patient should avoid food, and usually beverages other than water, for a specified period before this type of specimen.
What is a fasting specimen?
This serum tube is collected after the light-blue tube.
What is the red, gold, or serum separator tube?
The venipuncture needle is commonly inserted with the bevel facing this direction.
What is up?
This additive in green-top tubes is an anticoagulant frequently used for plasma chemistry testing.
What is heparin?
Swelling and discoloration around the puncture site may indicate this complication.
What is a hematoma?
This position is preferred for a patient with a history of fainting during blood collection.
What is the supine or lying-down position?
Green tubes are collected before tubes of this color, which commonly contain EDTA.
What are lavender or pink tubes?
The routine venipuncture needle is generally inserted at this angle.
What is approximately 15 to 30 degrees?
Gray-top tubes commonly contain sodium fluoride, which performs this function.
What is inhibiting glycolysis or preserving glucose?
If a patient reports feeling faint, the phlebotomist should stop the collection, remove the needle safely, protect the patient, and place them in this position if possible.
What is a reclined or supine position?
Before venipuncture, the phlebotomist explains the procedure and receives this permission from the patient.
What is informed consent?
Put these common tube groups in order: gray, green, serum, lavender.
What is serum, green, lavender, then gray?
These three actions should occur before the needle is removed: release this device, allow the patient to open their fist, and place gauze over the site.
What is release the tourniquet?
Tubes containing additives must be handled using this gentle technique immediately after collection.
What is inverting the tubes the required number of times?
Leaving the tourniquet on too long may concentrate blood components and cause this preanalytical problem.
What is hemoconcentration?