Vein Selection and Blood Collection Systems

Practice questions covering biohazardous waste disposal, blood collection equipment, arm anatomy, and vein selection criteria.

What items should always be disposed of in a sharps container?

Needles, lancets, capillary tubes, and other bio hazardous waste.

Which non-hazardous items must NOT be thrown into sharps containers?

Gloves, gauze, bandages, needle cap, and empty tubes.

What are the components of an evacuated blood collection system?

Needle + hub + evacuated tube.

When would a phlebotomist use a non-evacuated (needle + syringe) blood collection system?

When control over the blood flow is needed or for smaller, more fragile veins.

In what scenarios is a lancet blood collection system used?

When smaller amounts of blood are needed from adults or for collections on infants.

What are the most common lengths for needles used in venipuncture?

$1"$ or $1.5"$.

What is the most commonly used needle gauge in phlebotomy?

$21$ gauge.

What is the relationship between the gauge number and the size of the needle?

The larger the number, the smaller the needle (larger gauge numbers have smaller sizing numbers).

What is the name of the area inside the elbow that is the focus for venipuncture?

Antecubital fossa, also known as the "AC."

What vein is the first choice for venipuncture?

Median Cubital Vein.

Why is the Median Cubital Vein the preferred choice for venipuncture?

It is usually large enough to palpate, located in the middle of the AC, and least likely to develop a hematoma or injury.

What vein is the second choice for venipuncture?

Cephalic Vein.

Where is the Cephalic Vein located, and why is it challenging?

It is located in the outer edge of the AC; it is hard to palpate, difficult to position comfortably, and usually lacks a straight path.

What vein is the third choice for venipuncture?

Basilic Vein.

What are the risks associated with the Basilic Vein?

It is located near the median nerve and the brachial artery, posing a greater risk for pain and injury to the patient.

How does vein depth affect its suitability for venipuncture?

Deep veins typically have better flow and are less likely to be damaged; superficial veins are easier to palpate but lack support and are more likely to collapse or form a hematoma.

What is the ideal 'Direction' for a vein during selection?

A section long enough to support the needle entry with a straight path; the needle should be inserted in the direction of the flow.

Which vein conditions are considered unsuitable for venipuncture?

Collapsed, scarred, bruised, or inflamed.

In vein selection, what does 'Turgor' refer to?

The "bounce" or resilience of the vein; how firm it feels under the finger to assess strength and suitability.