Pre-analytical Considerations in Phlebotomy

Physiological Variables

Factors affecting laboratory test results.

Vascular Access Sites

Locations for blood collection or device placement.

Complications in Blood Collection

Issues arising during blood draw procedures.

Specimen Quality

Integrity of samples for accurate testing.

Procedural Error Risks

Potential mistakes during blood collection.

Failure to Draw Blood

Inability to obtain a blood sample.

Age Effect on RBC Count

Higher in younger patients.

Altitude Effect on Hemoglobin

Elevated levels at higher altitudes.

Dehydration Effect on RBC Count

Elevated due to reduced plasma volume.

High Protein Diet

Elevates non-protein nitrogen compounds.

Caffeine Impact

Increases cortisol and ACTH levels.

Diurnal Variation

Fluctuations in test results based on time.

Chemotherapy Drugs

Decrease blood cell counts.

Inappropriate Venipuncture Sites

Locations to avoid for blood draws.

Arterial Line

Catheter for continuous blood pressure monitoring.

Arteriovenous Shunt

Surgical connection for dialysis access.

Blood Sampling Device

Needleless device minimizing infection risk.

Heparin Lock

Access for medication or blood drawing.

Intravenous Sites

Used for fluid administration, not blood sampling.

Hematoma

Swelling from blood leakage at puncture site.

Iatrogenic Anemia

Anemia resulting from medical treatment.

Types of Blood Specimen

Serum, plasma, and whole blood definitions.

Glycolysis Delay Effects

Changes in glucose levels due to delay.

Bacterial Changes in Specimen

Alterations due to bacterial growth.