Phlebotomy Equipment - Principles of Medical Laboratory Science 1 Lab

Vocabulary flashcards covering key phlebotomy equipment, tools, and related concepts from the lecture notes.

Evacuated Tube System (ETS)

The most frequently used venipuncture method where blood is collected directly into pre-vacuum evacuated tubes via a double-pointed needle and holder, minimizing transfers and biohazard exposure; tubes are color-coded by additive/test.

Venipuncture

The procedure of drawing blood from a vein for laboratory testing.

Preanalytical phase

The phase of laboratory testing that includes specimen collection, handling, processing, storage, and transport before analysis.

Collection Tubes / Vacutainers

Vacuum-sealed tubes used to collect a specific volume of blood directly during venipuncture; often branded as Vacutainers.

Color coding (tubes)

The color on collection tubes indicates the type of additive or anticoagulant and the draw volume for that tube.

Anticoagulants / Additives

Substances inside collection tubes (e.g., EDTA, heparin, citrate) that prevent clotting or serve specific tests.

Glass vs Plastic tubes

Two materials used for evacuated collection tubes; glass is traditional, plastic is more common today and less prone to breakage.

Winged Blood Collection Set (Butterfly)

A small needle with plastic wings attached to tubing used for difficult veins or pediatric/geriatric patients; can double for IV therapy.

Tourniquet

A device (latex, vinyl, Velcro) applied to the arm to temporarily impede venous blood flow and make veins easier to locate.

Vein Locating Devices

Portable devices that aid in locating veins not easily visible, often using light to illuminate subcutaneous tissue.

Venoscope II

A specific vein locator device that uses light to visualize veins beneath the skin.

Transilluminator / Transillumination Vein Locator

A device that uses high-intensity light to illuminate tissues and highlight veins for easier venipuncture.

Gloves

Personal protective equipment worn during blood collection; available in latex, nitrile, vinyl, etc.; powder-free gloves are preferred to avoid sample contamination and latex sensitization.

Antiseptics

Agents used to cleanse the skin before venipuncture; routine cleansing uses 70% isopropyl alcohol; stronger antiseptics (iodine, chlorhexidine) are used for sterile collections.

70 percent isopropyl alcohol

Standard antiseptic for routine skin cleansing prior to venipuncture.

Iodine / Chlorhexidine gluconate

Stronger antiseptics used for sterility in special collections; chlorhexidine gluconate is used when iodine is contraindicated.

Hand sanitizer

Alcohol-based gel used when hands are not visibly soiled; not a substitute for handwashing when hands are contaminated.

Syringes

A device with a barrel and plunger used to draw blood when using the syringe technique; allows controlled suction; useful for fragile veins.

Syringe sizes and gauge

Syringes commonly range from 2 to 20 mL; needles typically 21–23 gauge for venipuncture; lengths commonly 1 inch or 1.5 inches.

Needle

Sterile, disposable instrument with bevel, shaft, lumen, and hub used for venipuncture; comes in various lengths and gauges.

Bevel

The angled cutting edge at the tip of a needle.

Needle Holder

A device that grips the needle and supports the collection tube or syringe during venipuncture; may include safety features.

Needle safety devices (examples)

Safety-focused needle holders and shields (e.g., One-Use Holder, Venipuncture Needle-Pro, ProGuard II, VanishPoint, VACUETTE QuickShield, BD Vacutainer Passive Shielding) designed to reduce needlestick injuries.

Needle Disposal Systems

Rigid, puncture-resistant, leak-proof containers for used needles; must be BIOHAZARD-labeled and sealed when full; safety devices activated when discarding.

S-Monovette Blood Collection System

An enclosed multisampling system that includes the collection tube and device; supports vacuum or aspiration with preassembled holders and safety winged sets.

Combination Systems

Systems that integrate multisampling needles with preassembled holders and safety devices for safer, streamlined collection.

Phlebotomy Tray / Equipment organization

A well-organized tray or workstation carrying all required items to prevent errors and facilitate efficient blood collection.

Drawing Chair

A chair with an attached stand or holder for equipment, used in outpatient settings to support patient comfort and equipment accessibility.

Sharps Container / BIOHAZARD

A rigid, leak-proof container for safe disposal of needles and other sharps; labeled BIOHAZARD and sealed when full.