Hemoglobin + Hematocrit Tests

When should you share the results of point of care tests?

The tests that your facility lets you share

What kind of tests are Hemoglobin and hematocrit tests?

Point of Care

What is checked in a hemoglobin test?

Levels of a protein that carries oxygen

What is checked in a hematocrit test?

Percentage of red blood cells present in blood

Why are hemoglobin and hematocrit tests performed?

Determine if patient has enough red blood cells before surgery to aid in healing, or before blood donation

What is needed for a Hemoglobin test?

Cassettes and Analyzer

What should you do before anything else?

Plug in machine and confirm functionality

What should you do before puncturing the skin?

Wash hands, don PPE, and gather supplies

What should you do after cleaning and gather supplies?

Perform dermal puncture procedure

What should you do after you have punctured the patient?

Collect blood into cassette and ask patient to keep pressure

What should you do after the patient starts to apply pressure?

Insert the cassette, record results, and thank patient

What supplies are needed for a Hematocrit Test?

Capillary tubes, clay stopper card, and Microhematocrit centrifuge

How should you collect blood into a capillary tube?

At an angle to the blood (horizontal) and collect blood in two tubes until full

What should you do after collecting blood in a capillary tube?

Press capillary tube into clay to close ends

What should you do after placing tubes in clay?

Ask patient to hold pressure

What should you do after asking patient to keep pressure?

Place tubes into microhematocrit centrifuge

What is the orientation of the capillary tubes in a microhematocrit centrifuge?

Clay facing outward

How long do results typically take?

2 minutes