Phlebotomy and Lab Science Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering phlebotomy procedures, tube additives, blood components, regulatory agencies, and medical conditions based on lecture notes.

Chem 7 Panel

Typically collected in a Red Tiger (SST) or Gold Top tube.

CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Requires a Lavender Top tube which contains EDTA for whole blood analysis.

Sputum Collection

Requires the patient to breathe deeply and then cough deeply and forcefully into a sterile container.

Dermal Puncture Site

The ring finger or middle finger; the pinky, thumb, and index fingers should be avoided.

Chain of Custody Requirements (Urine Drug Screens)

Must include both collector and donor signatures to maintain legal integrity.

Specimen Labeling Requirements

Must include the patient's first and last name, date and time of collection, phlebotomist's initials, and patient's date of birth.

Red Blood Cells (RBCs)

Cells that carry oxygen via hemoglobin, are biconcave for flexibility, and lack a nucleus when mature.

Neutrophils

White blood cells that act as first responders to bacterial infection.

Monocytes

The largest type of white blood cell; they become macrophages once they enter tissues.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells important for viral infections and antibody production.

Eosinophils

White blood cells that respond to allergies and parasites.

Basophils

White blood cells that release histamine during allergic reactions.

Serology (Immunology)

The analysis of antibodies and immune system function, commonly testing for HIV, hepatitis, and autoimmune diseases.

Toxicology

The measurement of drug levels, poisons, and therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM).

FDA

The agency that oversees drug safety, medical devices, vaccines, and food, and approves blood collection devices.

Joint Commission (J-Co)

An agency that accredits healthcare facilities and ensures compliance with safety standards and patient care quality.

HIPAA

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, consisting of 5 titles and 7 rights regarding patient data privacy and security.

CLIA-Waived Tests

Simple tests with a low risk of error, such as glucose or pregnancy tests, that can be performed in doctor's offices.

AMA (Against Medical Advice)

The right of a patient to refuse care and leave a facility; the refusal must be documented and the provider notified.

Blood Culture

A test to detect bloodstream infections (sepsis) requiring aseptic technique and proper timing.

Portal of Entry

An entry point for pathogens, such as broken skin, mucous membranes, or needlestick injuries.

Vector-borne Transmission

The spread of infection via insects, such as malaria from mosquitoes or Lyme disease from ticks.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

A genetic metabolic disorder where infants lack the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase; if untreated, it leads to intellectual disability.

Anemia

A condition characterized by too few red blood cells or too little hemoglobin, resulting in symptoms like fatigue and pallor.

Polycythemia

A disorder featuring an abnormally high concentration of RBCs, which can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.

latrogenic Anemia

Anemia caused by medical procedures, particularly repeated blood draws, especially in infants, the elderly, or cancer patients.

Petechiae

Small red or purple dots caused by capillary bleeding, often appearing if a tourniquet is too tight or left on too long.

Light Blue Tube Additive

Sodium citrate, used for coagulation testing.

Green Tube Additive

Heparin, used for chemistry tests.

Gray Tube Additive

Sodium fluoride, used for glucose testing.

Lavender (EDTA) Inversions

8-10 inversions are required to prevent clotting.

Red Tiger (SST) Inversions

5 gentle inversions are required to mix the clot activator.