Patient Preparation & Venipuncture Techniques Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards generated from lecture notes on patient preparation, venipuncture equipment, tube additives, transport requirements, and safety protocols.

Basal State

The metabolic condition of a patient who has been fasting, verified by asking the patient prior to specimen collection.

Hand Sanitizer Alcohol Requirement

The CDC recommendation that hand sanitizer must contain at least $60BA0$ alcohol, as concentrations below $60BA0$ are proven to be ineffective.

Tourniquet Application

The placement of a constricting band $3\text{--}4\,\text{inches}$ above the antecubital fossa for no longer than $1\,\text{minute}$ to restrict blood flow and distend veins.

Hemoconcentration

A condition involving an altered blood composition with an overload of formed elements or potassium, caused by leaving a tourniquet on for longer than $1\,\text{minute}$.

Hemolysis

The rupture of red blood cells, which can occur if alcohol is not allowed to dry completely before venipuncture or if tubes with additives are shaken vigorously.

Standard Venipuncture Insertion Angle

The recommended angle of entry of $15\text{--}30^\circ$ with the needle bevel positioned upward during standard venipuncture.

Dorsal Hand Butterfly Insertion Angle

An entry angle of $10^\circ$ or less used when performing a venipuncture on the dorsal side of the hand using a butterfly set.

TTN Sequence

A mnemonic standing for Tourniquet, Tube, and Needle, representing the correct sequential steps for concluding a blood collection procedure.

Automatic Rocking Device

Equipment used in hematology to continuously mix whole blood samples with anticoagulants to prevent clotting and minimize cell damage.

Photosensitive Specimen Transport

The protocol requiring light-sensitive analytes (Bilirubin, Carotene, Vitamin B12, Folic acid, and Vitamin B6) to be protected from light using amber microtainers, amber bags, or aluminum foil.

Pink Top Tube

A blood collection tube containing EDTA additive, primarily used in Blood Bank departments for Type and Screen testing.

Brown / Tan Top Tube

A blood collection tube containing Heparin additive, specified for lead testing.

Dark Blue / Royal Blue Top Tube

A blood collection tube with chemically cleaned stoppers containing no additive, sodium heparin, sodium citrate, or EDTA, used for toxicology and trace metal assays.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG)

A specimen collection performed by CPT II, RT, RN, or physician measuring $P\text{O}_2$, $P\text{CO}_2$, and $\text{pH}$ of blood, typically collected from the radial, brachial, or femoral arteries.

Outpatient Identification

The verification procedure requiring at least 2 identifiers: full first and last name, and date of birth (DOB).

Inpatient Identification

The verification procedure requiring full first and last name, date of birth (DOB), and checking the wristband for the Medical Record Number (MRN).