Phlebotomy part 2

Needle types

Evacuated systems/syringe, single draw, and butterfly system

Evacuation collection tubes (ECT)

Has a suction and stopper with a septum that’s punctured. They are color coded to display additives and coatings

Gauze

Loosely woven, almost translucent fabric to clean wounds and preparing skin for procedures

Bandages

Medical tape; similar to sports tape. It’s very sticky and only to be used on healthy adults without obvious skin conditions. It’s to be removed within 10 minutes of venipuncture.

Coban

A type of bandage that doesn’t stick to skin or hair. It’s less irritating than medical tape, but more expensive. It’s for children, elderly, and those who develop redness during venipuncture.

Vacutainer hub

Holds needle in place

Vacutainer tube

Type of evacuation collection tube (ECT) and collects blood

Centrifuge

A machine used to separate fluids of different densities or liquids from solids. It spins contents at high speeds. Lighter components float and heavier components sink

Lab requisition

Similar to prescription label

Lab requisition requirements

Patient’s full name, DOB, medical record number, physician’s name, type of test, and requirements

Largest artery

Aorta

Largest vein

Vena cava

Blood flow

Arteries to arterioles to capillaries to venules to veins

Phlebotomy

Drawing blood to assist in making a diagnosis

Blood collection types

Venipuncture, capillary puncture, and arterial puncture

Which vein is used for venipuncture?

Median cubital vein. The basilica, cephalic, or median antebrachial veins may also be used, but may be more painful and require a smaller needle.

Capillary puncture

Obtains drops of blood through skin puncture

Arterial puncture

Through an artery (brachial, radial, or ulnar)

What to do during blood withdrawal

Remove the tourniquet to increase blood flow and provide adequate blood for specimen