CCMA 3.0 Focused Review: Patient Identification and Phlebotomy

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential patient identification protocols, laboratory processing phases, phlebotomy equipment, and specimen handling procedures for the CCMA 3.0 review.

Patient Demographics

Basic information in a medical record that requires verification at each visit, including name, address, telephone number, insurance information, and emergency contact.

Patient Identification Methods

The practice of using at least two methods of validation, most commonly the patient stating their full name and date of birth, to ensure care is delivered to the correct individual.

Preanalytical Phase

The first stage of laboratory quality assurance involving the provider ordering a test, filling out a requisition, and the collection, labeling, and processing of the specimen.

Analytic Phase

The second stage of laboratory quality assurance where instruments are maintained, controls are analyzed, specimens are tested against reference ranges, and results are documented.

Postanalytical Phase

The final stage of laboratory quality assurance involving the proper disposal of specimens, notification of results to the patient, and the provider interpreting and signing all lab reports.

Laboratory Directory

A manual (hard copy or digital) that provides an up-to-date list of orderable tests, specimen requirements, patient preparation, container types, and transport requirements.

Evacuated System

The most common venipuncture system, consisting of a double-pointed needle, a plastic needle holder, and vacuum collection tubes, typically using needles of $20$ to $22 \text{ gauge}$.

Winged Infusion Set (Butterfly System)

A collection method using flexible wings and tubing attached to a needle, best for small or fragile veins; needles are typically $21$ to $23 \text{ gauge}$ and $1/2 \text{ to } 3/4 \text{ inch}$ in length.

Lumen

The hollow space inside a needle, also referred to as the gauge; the larger the gauge number, the smaller the diameter.

Bevel

The shaft at the end of the needle that creates a point, which should always face upward during insertion.

Median Cubital Vein

The preferred vein for venipuncture in the antecubital space because it tends to cause less pain and is the least likely to roll.

Cephalic and Basilic Veins

Alternative veins in the antecubital space used if the median cubital is inaccessible; they carry a higher risk of rolling and require careful anchoring.

Venipuncture Angle (Arm)

The insertion angle for the needle when drawing from the arm, which should be between $15$ and $30 \text{ degrees}$ depending on depth.

Venipuncture Angle (Hand)

The insertion angle for the needle when drawing from the hand, which should be between $10$ and $15 \text{ degrees}$ due to the veins being smaller and thinner.

Vasovagal Syncope

A common extreme reaction to phlebotomy characterized by fainting.

Centrifugation

The process of rotating blood collection tubes at high speed to separate heavier elements at the bottom from lighter elements at the top.

Aliquot

The process of transferring serum from one tube to another using a single-use pipette, never by pouring, to avoid splashes and spills.

Critical Lab Values

Emergent or life-threatening laboratory results that require immediate notification to the ordering provider for urgent intervention.

Specimen Labeling Requirements

The documentation required on a specimen container, which includes the patient's full name, date of birth, date and time of collection, and the medical assistant’s initials.

Order of Draw

The specific sequence in which vacuum stopper tubes must be collected to avoid cross-contamination of additives that could affect laboratory results.