L.L.S.P unit 7 part 2

Routine Practices

Practices always applied to blood collections, including the use of proper PPE.

PPE

Personal Protective Equipment essential for keeping the collector and patient safe during blood collection.

Hand Hygiene

Essential practice requiring hand washing and new gloves between each patient.

Safety glasses

Worn to reduce the risk of blood splashes into the collector’s eyes.

Implied Consent

Assumed consent when a patient extends their arm for blood collection.

Patient Identification

The most important job of an MLA/T to ensure the right patient is being collected from.

STAT

A priority test with a turnaround time of 1 hour.

Urgent

Tests required sooner than routine testing with a turnaround time of 3-4 hours.

Routine

Testing processed last, typically within 8 hours, for non-urgent situations.

Introduction to Patient

A necessary part of the blood collection procedure that builds rapport and assures the patient.

Fasting Period

The time a patient has abstained from eating or drinking prior to blood collection.

Tourniquet

A device applied to the arm to distend veins prior to blood collection.

Median Cubital Vein

The first choice for venipuncture due to its location and reduced risk.

Cephalic Vein

The second choice for venipuncture, often more difficult to locate.

Basilic Vein

The last choice for venipuncture due to proximity to arteries and nerves.

Cleaning the Site

Using a 70% isopropyl alcohol wipe to disinfect before puncture.

Vacuum Tubes

Collection tubes that require careful monitoring during blood draw.

Anchor the Skin

Technique used to stabilize the vein and make puncturing easier.

Venipuncture Troubleshooting

Strategies for addressing issues during blood collection where blood flow is not established.

Labeling Tubes

The process of marking blood tubes with patient details immediately post-collection.

Disinfect Area

Cleaning the blood collection area to maintain safety and hygiene after the procedure.

Discarding Waste

Proper disposal of contaminated items after blood collection.

Post-Collection Instructions

Advice given to the patient after procedure completion regarding care.

Accession Number

A unique identifier assigned to each lab specimen.

Hypotensive Reaction

A potential reaction where patient may feel faint during venipuncture.

Patient Complaints

Listening to patient concerns, especially if they have a history of issues with collections.

Equipment Assembly

Prior preparation of necessary blood collection tools before beginning the procedure.

Glove Use

Wearing gloves is mandatory to prevent contamination during blood collection.

Order of Draw

The sequence in which tubes should be filled during blood collection.

Fainting Precautions

Steps taken if a patient exhibits signs of fainting during the procedure.

Controlled Environment

Maintaining a clean and organized space for blood collection.

Documenting Refusal

Necessary action when a patient denies consent for blood collection.

Sharps Container

A disposal unit for used needles to ensure safety.

Documenting Collection Times

Recording the time and date of blood collection on requisition forms.

Returning Items

Placing any moved furniture back to its original location after the procedure.

Patient Comfort

Ensuring the patient feels safe and relaxed during the blood draw.

Post-Procedure Monitoring

Observing the site for complications and ensuring proper closure.

Patient Involvement

Engaging the patient in confirming their identity during the collection process.

Specimen Label Errors

Risks associated with incorrect labeling that can lead to misdiagnosis.

Expiring Tubes

Checking the expiration date on blood collection tubes before use.

Gauze Application

Using gauze to apply pressure at the puncture site post-collection.

Referring Questions

Directing patient inquiries about tests back to the healthcare provider.

Patient Education

Informing patients about the collection process and potential concerns.

Risk of Collapse

Concern about veins collapsing during the collection process due to tourniquet application.