Problems and Corrections
A phlebotomist begins to collect a blood specimen from a prominent antecubital vein when the tube is engaged, a small amount of blood squirts into the tube and then stops. What is most likely to have occurred?
The bevel is partially out of the skin
A lipid test has been ordered for a patient, but the patient had a cup of black tea at 0400. When is the earliest time the test can be completed?
1600 (12 hrs) but that will vary by facility. Could be 8 hrs
What specimen is most susceptible to contamination and should always be drawn first?
Blood Culture
Which needles are commonly found on a phlebotomy tray?
Multi-sample needle (ETS), butterfly, syringe needles
What type of patient infection results from contact with infected personnel, other pts, visitors, and contaminated food, medication, or equipment?
Nosocomial Infection (Hospital Acquired Infection)
What type of complication is likely to arise from repeated phlebotomy procedures in the same area?
Sclerosed veins, phlebitis
A 17 month old presents for a routine capillary stick to determine lead levels by POCT, the point of draw should be the ___?
Finger
What is the correct tube to test for chemistry tests if you are working in an outpatient facility?
SST (gold, tiger)
What additives prevent coagulation?
EDTA, Citrates, Heparin, and Oxalates
What is the sequence for removing PPE?
Gloves, Eyewear, Gown, Mask
The doctor has ordered dermal puncture on an infant. During the draw the infant suddenly moves and the phlebotomist punctures the calcaneus. What complication could result from this incident?
Osteomyelitis
If a larger amount of blood is needed from a child younger than two years of age, what is the best site to draw from?
Antecubital fossa
The phlebotomist has orders for an FBS, INR, and CBC stat. WHat is the correct tube selection and order of draw?
Light Blue, lavender, gray
Inadequate mixing of an anticoagulant tube is likely to result in ___?
Micro-clotting
When are scrubs not considered "street clothes"?
When they are sterilized, not worn out of the facility, and usually provided by the facility
Why would a phlebotomist want to avoid collecting a CBC from a crying infant?
WBC's may be elevated
Why is it important to allow the venipuncture site to completely dry after cleansing the site?
To avoid hemolysis and provide full antisepsis
What additive is in pink tube and which tube can it replace?
EDTA; Lavender
A phlebotomist must collect a specimen for a blood alcohol test on a patient. What antiseptic should be used?
Anything but an alcohol prep pad
What vaccination is offered at ALL health care facilities to employees?
HBV vaccination
When a blood sample does not meet sample size criteria, what is it considered to be?
QNS
The doctor orders a basic metabolic, lipid, and hepatic panel. After confirming the patient's identity, what else should the phlebotomist ask the patient?
What time did you eat or drink last
A patient is receiving therapeutic medication. Which of the following is the correct way to draw trough levels?
Before the patient is due for their next dose of medication
What tube is recommended for STAT chemistry testing?
green
A phlebotomist is drawing blood from a patient with RSV. What type of precaution does RSV have ?
Droplet