Hema Lec 2 (Chapter 3,4,5) - Key Concepts in Hematology and Venipuncture Techniques

Hepa B Virus

Can survive on inanimate or dried surfaces for at least 1 week

Diet

Fasting means no food or beverages for 8 to 12 hrs before blood draw

Smoking

May increase Wbc and cortisol

Clot activators

Allowed to clot to 30 -60 min prior to centrifugation

Anticoagulants

Prevents blood from clotting

EDTA, citrate and oxalate

Remove calcium needed for clotting by forming insoluble calcium salts

Heparin

Binds to anti-thrombin in the plasma and inhibits thrombin and activated coagulation factor x

Antiglycolytic Agent

Inhibits the metabolism of glucose by blood cells

Sodium Fluoride

Yields serum

Separator Gel

Inert material that undergoes a temporary change in viscosity during centrifugation process

H pattern

Displayed by about 70% of the population

M pattern

Median, accessory cephalic, basilic

Median Cubital Vein

First choice for venipuncture

Median Vein

First choice for venipuncture in M pattern

Median Cephalic Vein

Second choice for venipuncture in M pattern

Hand Veins

Veins that are smaller and less anchored, can be very painful for the patient

Femoral Vein

Puncture performed only by physicians or specifically trained personnel

Antecubital Area

Always examine in Venipuncture

Basilic Vein

3rd choice for venipuncture, last choice due to increased risk of injury

1 Minute

Duration for applying the tourniquet

Prepare the test request order

1st step in Venipuncture procedure

22 - 23 Gauge Needle

Recommended for children

Ecchymosis/Bruise

Most common complication in venipuncture, leakage of small amount of blood in tissue around puncture site

Hematoma

Complication in venipuncture, leakage of large amount of blood causing swelling

Hemolysis

Complication in venipuncture, rupture of red cells causing plasma or serum to appear pink or red

Hemoconcentration

Increased concentration of certain larger molecules and analytes in the blood as a result of shifting in water balance

Petechiae

Small red spots indicating small amounts of blood have escaped into the skin

Nerve Damage

Patient may complain of shooting or sharp pain, tingling or numbness in arm

Edema

Caused by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the intercellular spaces of the tissues, should be avoided