Blood Collection Vocab (Chapter 48)

anticoagulant

A substance (medication or chemical) that prevents clotting of blood.

antiseptic

a substance that inhibits the growth of microorganisms on living tissues (alcohol) they are used to clense the skin, wounds, and so on.

aspirating

to draw off or remove by suction

blood culture

a microbiological procedure is ordered when a provider suspects a bacterial infection is causing a fever of unknown origin. If bacteria are in the blood sample, the culture media should encourage the growth of the infecting bacteria in the laboratory.

clot activators

substances added to a venipuncture tube to enhance and speed up blood clotting

evacuated

absence of air to create a vacuum in a tube, flask, or reaction vessel

g-force

a force acting on an object because of gravity, for example, a centrifuge spins and exerts g-force.

glycolysis

the chemical breakdown of carbohydrates by enzymes, with the release of energy.

hematoma

an abnormal buildup of blood in an organ or tissue of the body caused by a leak or cut in a blood vessel.

hemoconcentration

a condition in which the concentration of blood cells is increased in proportion to the plasma

hemolysis

the breakdown of red blood cells with the release of hemoglobin

interstitial

between the cells

lymphostasis

obstruction or interruption of normal lymph flow

nosocomial

also known as healthcare-acquired infections

petechiae

a very small, round hemorrhage in the skin or mucous membrane.

plasma

the liquid portion of a whole blood sample that has not clotted due to an anticoagulant, the liquid portion of blood that contains clotting factors, and the liquid portion of the blood found in the body.

postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)

an autonomic nervous system condition that causes heart palpitations, lightheadedness, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, low blood volume, inability to concentrate, “brain fog”, trouble sleeping, gastrointestinal symptoms, and dark red-blue discoloration of the legs.

reference laboratory

a laboratory that performs testing for another laboratory, testing varies from high-volume routine testing to low-volume unique or unusual testing, also called a referral, diagnostic, or commercial testing laboratory.

serum

the liquid portion of a clotted blood specimen, it no longer contains active clotting agents.

suction

the production of a partial vacuum by the removal of air in order to force fluid into a vacant force.

syringe

a device with a slender barrel and needle used to withdraw blood from a vein or artery.

vasovagal syncope

a faint brought on by excessive activity of the vagus nerve, causing a sudden drop in the heart rate and blood pressure, can be caused by stress, heat exposure, long periods of standing, or the sight of blood.