NHA Safety & Compliance + Patient Preparation

The most effective way to prevent the spread of infection during blood collection is

Hand hygiene before and after every patient contact

A phlebotomist should identify a patient using

Two patient identifiers

PPE that should always be worn during routine venipuncture

Gloves

A used needle should be

Disposed of immediately in a sharps container

Standard Precautions assume

Every patient may carry infectious disease

Purpose of OSHA's Bloodborne Pathogens Standard

Reduce workplace exposure to infectious materials

First action after a needlestick injury

Wash the area and report the incident

Primary purpose of a sharps container

Prevent accidental needlestick injuries

Goal when removing gloves

Avoid touching the contaminated outside surface

Agency that enforces workplace safety standards

OSHA

When should soap and water be used instead of hand sanitizer?

When hands are visibly soiled

What belongs in a biohazard bag?

Bloody gauze

Purpose of an Exposure Control Plan

Outline procedures for preventing bloodborne exposure

What is considered Protected Health Information (PHI)?

A patient's name linked with medical information

Primary purpose of HIPAA

Protect patient privacy

If a patient asks about another patient's test results

Refuse to discuss another patient's information

Best way to prevent specimen contamination

Follow proper collection procedures

When should hand sanitizer NOT replace handwashing?

When hands are visibly dirty

How should a blood spill be cleaned?

With an approved disinfectant such as a bleach solution

When is chain of custody required?

Drug testing for legal purposes

What does SDS (formerly MSDS) stand for?

Safety Data Sheet

First response to an aggressive patient

Stay calm and seek assistance if needed

When should gloves be changed?

Between every patient

What does the biohazard symbol indicate?

Infectious material hazard

How long does patient confidentiality last?

At all times, even after employment ends

First step before collecting a specimen

Verify the test order and identify the patient

Preferred vein for routine venipuncture

Median cubital vein

Typical fasting requirement for laboratory testing

No food for 8–12 hours

Maximum tourniquet application time

1 minute

Best position for a dizzy patient before a blood draw

Lie down or recline

If a patient refuses a blood draw

Respect the refusal and notify the appropriate staff

Purpose of explaining the procedure

Reduce patient anxiety and gain cooperation

How long should the antiseptic dry before venipuncture

Allow it to air dry completely

Should a patient repeatedly pump their fist during venipuncture?

No

What should happen if a specimen is collected from the wrong patient?

Discard the specimen and recollect according to policy

Best position for a patient with a history of fainting

Reclining or lying down

Before inserting the needle

Palpate and select the vein

Information the patient should verify before collection

Name and date of birth

Preferred collection site if one arm has an IV

The opposite arm

Which patients require extra precautions?

Patients with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulants

First action if a patient loses consciousness during a blood draw

Remove the tourniquet and needle safely

Why is proper patient preparation important?

It affects test accuracy

If a patient did not fast for a fasting glucose test

Notify the appropriate healthcare provider before collection

Why should patients remain seated for several minutes before collection?

Body position can affect laboratory values

What should you do if a patient has a "No Blood Pressure/No Venipuncture" bracelet?

Use the opposite arm if appropriate

Why should alcohol dry before inserting the needle?

To reduce discomfort and possible hemolysis

Best way to explain a blood draw to a patient

"I'm going to collect a small blood sample. You'll feel a quick pinch."

When should specimen tubes be labeled?

Immediately after collection while with the patient

If a patient has a latex allergy

Use latex-free supplies if available and follow facility policy

Instructions after a blood draw

Apply firm pressure until bleeding stops and keep the bandage on as instructed

Preferred patient identifiers

Name and date of birth (or another approved second identifier)