Phlebotomy Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary flashcards related to phlebotomy, anatomy, and medical terminology.

Vena Cavae

Large veins that return deoxygenated blood from the body to the heart.

Oxygenation

The process of supplying the body with oxygen.

Carbon Dioxide

An odorless, colorless gas that forms in the tissues and is eliminated by the lungs.

Sympathetic Nervous System

A division of the nervous system that prepares the body to act efficiently in stressful situations.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

A division of the nervous system that prepares the body for digestion and rest.

Osmosis

The diffusion of water through a semipermeable membrane.

Diffusion

The movement of a substance from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration.

Filtration

A process that separates substances by forcing them through a membrane.

Electrolytes

A chemical substance that develops an electrical charge and can conduct an electrical current when placed in water.

Bone Marrow

Soft tissue inside the bone that produces blood forming cells.

Antibody

A type of protein the immune system produces to neutralize a threat of some kind.

Fibrinogen

A plasma protein that converts into fibrin to form a clot during bleeding.

Antigen

Any substance capable of inducing a specific immune response and triggering the production of an antibody specific to that substance.

Coagulation

The process by which a clot forms in the blood.

Blood Bank

A place where blood is collected from donors, typed, separated into components, stored, and prepared for transfusion to recipients.

Autologous Transfusion

When a patient donates blood to be used for their own needs for future use.

Therapeutic Phlebotomy

A form of phlebotomy prescribed as a treatment for patients who have Polycythemia Vera or hemochromatosis.

Apheresis

Removal of blood plasma from a patient's body without withdrawing the blood itself. The process separates the blood into plasma and cells, returning the cells to the patient's blood.

Plasmapheresis

Removal of blood plasma from whole blood.

Homeostasis

The steady state of blood equilibrium; how blood flows throughout the body.

Disinfectant

A substance that helps remove harmful microorganisms from surfaces.

Quality Control

A measure of how well an instrument can produce the same result over a period of time, ensuring precision in laboratory testing and accuracy in test results.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any information that a health care provider creates or receives that relates to past, present, or future physical or mental health or condition of an individual.

Assault

The intentional creation of apprehension leading to a fear of harm.

Battery

The intentional touching or handling of a person without permission.

Standard Precautions

The basic level of infection-control practices healthcare workers must perform to prevent the spread of infection.

Petechiae

Small hemorrhagic spots that appear under the surface of the skin.

Bloodborne Pathogen Standard

An OSHA-mandated set of requirements concerning protection against pathogenic microorganism.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

A basic emergency procedure in cases of cardiopulmonary arrest to re-establish effective circulation and ventilation.

Biologic Hazard

Also known as biohazard; any biological risk to organisms.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Items that are worn to reduce exposure to potentially infectious agents.

Exposure Control Plan

An OSHA-compliant plan that explains ways to minimize or eliminate exposure of humans to bloodborne pathogens.

CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)

This law requires any facility performing tests of human specimens to be certified by the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.

N95 OR N99 Respirator

A mask that helps protect the wearer from airborne diseases.

Means of Transmission

How a pathogen moves to a host via direct or indirect contact with people.

Basal State

Condition of rest and fasting, usually for at least 12 hours and typically in the morning upon waking.

Mechanical Ventilation

Treatment that involves a machine performing or assisting with breathing.

Fasting

Not eating or drinking.

Hemodialysis

A process that uses a machine to remove waste and excess fluid from the blood of patients whose kidneys no longer perform these functions.

Thrombosed

Clotted.

Hematoma

A collection of blood underneath the skin; a bruise.

Antecubital Fossa

The area of the arm at the inner side of the bend of the elbow; antecubital space.

Lateral

Toward the side; away from the center of the body.

Medial

Towards the middle; close to the center of the body.

Dorsal

Towards the back of the body.

Phlebitis

Inflammation of the blood vessel.

Sclerotic

Thickened or scarred vein or vessel caused by repeated puncture.

Tortuous

Twisted.

Hemostasis

Stopping of blood flow.

Cardiovascular System

The organs and structures of the heart and blood vessels that transport nutrients, water, hormones, gasses, and other substances throughout the body.

Infection

The invasion and proliferation of pathogens in body tissue.

Microorganisms

Living things that are too small to see without magnification.

Pathogen

Disease-causing micro-organism.

Sputum

Fluid that people cough up from the lungs.

Ergonomics

The design and arrangement of objects so that people interact with them most efficiently and safely.

Dermal Puncture

A procedure that involves puncturing the finger or heel to obtain a small quantity of blood for testing.

Bevel

Sharpened and slanted cut edge of a needle designed to ease the process of puncturing tissue.

Plasma

Liquid portion of the blood in which blood cells are suspended.

Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

An additive in collection tubes used as an anticoagulant to keep blood specimens from clotting.

Serum

Straw-colored liquid portion of the blood visible after the specimen has been allowed to clot and after centrifugation.

Median Cubital Vein

Vein located near the middle of the antecubital area; first choice for a venipuncture collection.

Cephalic Vein

Vein that runs along the lateral side of the antecubital region; the second choice for venipuncture.

Basilic Vein

Vein that runs medially and is located in the upper arm and forearm; last choice for venipuncture.

Hemoconcentration

Excessive accumulation of blood into an area of the body, usually caused by a tourniquet left on too long or a patient pumping their fist.

Lumen

Hollow core of the vein; the best place for needle position during venipuncture.

Transfix

To puncture through both sides of the vein, resulting in a failed blood collection.

Hemolysis

Destruction of red blood cells.

Iatrogenic Anemia

Anemia caused by collecting too much blood from a patient by volume over a period of time.

Hematocrit

Portion of blood that is expressed as a percentage by volume and consists of packed red blood cells.