NHA Module 12 Vocab

Antecubital space

The inner bend of the elbow; primary site for phlebotomy procedures

Anticoagulant

A chemical substance that prevents clotting

Basilic vein

Vein located in the medial antecubital space; superficial to the brachial artery

Cephalic vein

Located in the lateral antecubital space; on of two preferred veins for phlebotomy procedures

Coagulation

The process by which a clot forms in the blood

Deep vein thrombosis

Formation of a blood clot within a deep vein (most commonly the veins in the legs)

Edema

An excessive buildup of fluid in body tissue

Fasting

Abstinence of food and liquids, except water, for a set number of hours prior to testing

Fistula

An abnormal connection between two body parts; an anteriovenous fistula may be present at birth or surgically created in patients with renal insufficiency to aid with dialysis

Hemoconcentration

Increase in the concentration of red blood cells in the circulating blood, which is commonly caused by exceeding tourniquet time of 60 seconds

Hemolysis

The rupture of red blood cells, which is commonly caused by performing phlebotomy with too small needle gauge or shaking the blood tubes too hard; blood appears a serum cherry color and sample cannot be tested

Hemostasis

The stoppage of the flow of blood

Mastectomy

Surgical removal of one or both breasts, typically associated with a diagnosis of cancer

Median cubital vein

Located in the center of the antecubital space, most common vein used for phlebotomy procedures

Phlebotomy

Withdrawal of blood from a vein

Plastic needle holder

Adapter that connects to the needle and where the collection tube is inserted during phlebotomy

Port

A small medical appliance that is installed beneath the skin, used to administer medication or withdraw blood samples

Requisition

A written or computer generated order for laboratory tests

Tourniquet

Flat length of vinyl, rubber, or fabric with Velcro, which restricts blood flow and causes the venous blood to accumulate, enabling better palpation of a vein prior to phlebotomy

Vasovagal response

Fainting because the body overreacts to certain triggers (the sight of blood, extreme emotional distress)

Venipuncture

The puncture of a vein for the purpose of withdrawing blood

Whole blood

Total volume of blood including plasma and formed elements; blood that has not been separated by chemical additives or centrifuging

Winged infusion

Butterfly style of needle attached to a length of tubing and affixed to a plastic needle holder; used on small or fragile veins such as those of the hands of pediatric or geriatric patients