Patient Identification, Assessment, and Site Preparation

Acceptable ID:

Full legal name, date of birth, medical record number, unique patient ID

Unacceptable ID:

Room number, bed location, physical appearance, family confirmation alone

Lipemic Specimen

Having a high concentration of lipids

Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin):

affect bleeding time and clotting studies

Analgesics (aspirin, acetaminophen):

may interfere with certain assays

Antibiotics:

can affect culture results and some chemistry panels

Diuretics:

may alter electrolyte and fluid balance tests

(VADs)

vascular access devices

the median cubital vein

the first choice because it is large andrarely moves during needle insertion

the cephalic vein

a more difficult vein to locate and often the only vein palpable in an obese patient;

the basilic vein

located near the brachial artery and nerves, less firmly anchored, and at higher risk of injury if the needle is inserted too deeply.

tortuous veins

veins that are winding or crooked

tourniquet

A device that makes veins easier to find and access for venipuncture by temporarily restricting venous blood flow.

hemoconcentration

where blood components become concentrated due to fluid loss from the vascular space