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Why do we not shake or forcefully invert tubes
Prior to performing a phlebotomy procedure, a medical assistant should ask the patient to verify what information
Name and DOB
A vacutainer is what type of sterile needle?
Double-ended; one end has protective cap and the other has a rubber sheath
Outline steps for inserting needle:
1. spread skin tight- not too tight
2. remove needle cap, inspect, then insert at a 15-30 deg angle with bevel side up
3. attach tube to infusion set, release the tourniquet and ask patient to unclench fist
Where should a finger stick be performed?
Side of middle or ring finger
What is venipuncture
puncture of a vein to remove blood
Requisition form for inpatient blood draw must also have:
room #, bed #, id #
Red-stopper tubes are used for:
blood that needs to clot
tests: serum, chemistry or immunological
RED-Clot activator
Heparin
(green) is a blood thinner
tests: plasma, whole blood, chemistry
which vein is the prefered vein for routine phlebotomy
Median cubital
What are the 3 veins acceptable for blood draws in adults?
Median cubital, Basilic, Cephalic
Requisition form for ALL patients having blood drawn must have:
name of physician who ordered it
pt. name: first, middle initial, last
pt. DOB
type of test
date of test
test status (ex. fasting, timed)
special precautions (ex. latex allergy)
A medical assistant is obtaining samples for a CBC test. which of the following tubes should the medical assistant use
lavender. used for whole blood hematology, routine immunohematology testing, and blood donor screening
What are the three issues that can arise if you do not release the tourniquet within 1 minute?
Hemolysis, Petechiae, Hemo-concentration
Which tube should the medical assistant select first when adhering to the proper order of the draw
Yellow- sterile blood cultures
When should specimens be labeled
Immediately following collection after needle is disposed of
Requisition for for outpatient blood draw must also have:
billing information and ICD9/ ICD10 codes
A medical assistant is obtaining a sample for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test. Which tube should the MA use for blood collection
LAVENDER- EDTA removes calcium and prevents coagulation
Common issues pt. have with venipuncture and capillary collection include
fainting or syncope
Heel sticks are different in newborns how?
Capillary tubes will not be used, instead use filter paper for drops of blood. Soak circles completely but don't oversaturate, then let them air dry for 3 hours at room temperature.
Which needle is best for smaller veins?
Winged infusion or butterfly
What is the order of the draw for venipuncture?
YELLOW (sodium polyanethol sulfonate) SPS
LIGHT BLUE (Sodium Citrate)
RED (non-additive)
GREEN (Heparin)
LAVENDER (EDTA),
GRAY (Potassium oxalate)
Light blue-colored stoppers additive- and what is it used for
Sodium citrate-used for coagulation studies
A medical assistant has completed a blood collection. what action should the MA take to ensure proper specimen processing?
Verify that the requisition form has been completed