The Foundations of Modern Phlebotomy (First Edition)

Battery

Unlawful touching that does not necessarily cause harm, but is without consent.

Communication

The exchange of information between two or more individuals.

Evacuated Tube System (ETS)

A system for withdrawing a predetermined amount of blood using a needle, adapter, and a color-coded, vacuum-sealed tube.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

A federal law that protects patients' health information.

Negligence

Failure to provide appropriate care.

Phlebotomist

An individual responsible for obtaining blood specimens from patients.

Phlebotomy

The act of drawing or removing blood from a blood vessel to obtain a sample for analysis.

Professionalism

An attitude and set of personal characteristics that all healthcare professionals are expected to exhibit.

Venipuncture

The act of puncturing a vein with a needle.

Agglutination

When particles in a liquid solution clump together.

Anemia

A condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells.

Antecubital (AC) Fossa

The inside area of the arm located at the crease of the elbow.

Antibody

A protein substance manufactured by the body in response to an antigen.

Anticoagulant

A substance that prevents blood from clotting.

Antigen

A substance that can cause the formation of an antibody.

Arteries

Blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart.

Capillaries

Tiny blood vessels below the surface of the skin.

Coagulation

The process of blood clotting.

Deoxygenated Blood

Oxygen-deficient blood.

Erythrocyte

A red blood cell.

Hemochromatosis

Elevated levels of iron in the blood.

Homeostasis

A balanced state in the body.

Leukocyte

A white blood cell.

Oxygenated Blood

Oxygen-rich blood

Palpate

Examination by touch or feel.

Plasma

The liquid portion of blood, consisting of about 90% water.

Polycythemia Vera

A condition marked by excess red blood cells.

Scope of practice

The procedures a healthcare professional is legally and ethically allowed to perform based on training and certification.

Serum

The liquid portion of coagulated blood.

Thrombocytes

(Also called platelets.) Cell fragments that aid in coagulation.

Tourniquet

A band wrapped around a limb to constrict blood flow in the vessels.

Veins

Blood vessels that carry blood back to the heart.

Whole Blood

The blood that circulated through the body, containing all components

Biohazard

Substances that are harmful or pose a risk through exposure.

Bloodborne Pathogens

Microorganisms that can cause disease through exposure to blood and bodily fluids.

Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI)

A global laboratory that develops standard practices for quality patient care and safety.

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA '88)

Federal regulations that ensure the quality and accuracy of laboratory testing.

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

A federal agency responsible for conducting research to provide safer and healthier workplaces.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

The federal agency responsible for establishing safety regulations across every workplace.

Other Potentially Infectious Materials (OPIM)

Bodily fluids other than blood.

Percutaneous

Through the skin.

Quality Assurance (QA)

A protocol or program that establishes policies and guidelines defining safe practices and document procedures.

Quality Control (QC)

The steps or procedures performed to comply with a QA program.

Risk Management

An internal system of guidelines and standards designed to minimize risks to patients and staff.

Safety Data Sheet (SDS)

An information sheet for each chemical, including information about exposure, storage, proper use, and disposal.

Aseptic

Free of pathogenic microorganisms that can cause disease.

Aseptic Technique

Practices that help maintain a clean environment to prevent infection and reduce sample contamination.

Bevel

The slanted tip of a needle.

Chlorhexidine

An antiseptic used as an alternative to alcohol.

Diaphoresis

Excessive perspiration.

Flash

The moment when blood first appears in the hub of a needle after successful venipuncture.

Gauge

A measure of the diameter of the lumen of a needle.

Hemoconcentration

An increase in blood component concentration due to fluid loss.

Invert

Gentle rotation of a specimen by turning it upside down and then returning it to the upright position to mix the blood with an additive after collection.

Lumen

The hollow interior space of the needle.

Order of Draw

The proper sequence for blood tube collection, as defined by CLSI guidelines.

Requisition

A form sent to the laboratory that includes patient details, tests ordered, and any special instructions.

Winged Infusion Set

(Also called butterfly needle.) A blood collection set that uses small plastic "wings" for stabilization.

Anaphylaxis

A severe allergic reaction caused by the immune system releasing chemicals like histamine and serotonin into the bloodstream.

Bariatric

Related to the treatment and management of obesity.

Bedside Manner

The way a healthcare professional interacts with and treats patients.

Dialysis

A medical treatment that filters waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer function properly.

Edema

Swelling due to excessive fluid accumulation in the body's tissues.

Fistula

A permanent surgical connection between an artery and a vein.

Geriatric

Related to the health, care, and medical treatment of older adults, typically those aged 65 and older.

Graft

A temporary piece of synthetic tubing surgically inserted under the skin to connect a vein and artery together.

Hematoma

A collection of blood beneath the skin caused by blood vessel leakage.

Hives

(Also called urticaria.) An allergic reaction manifesting as red, itchy, raised welts on the skin that can vary in size and shape.

Lymphedema

A condition that can cause swelling due to the removal of lymph nodes.

Mastectomy

Surgical removal of one or both breasts.

Pediatric

Related to the medical care and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents.

Petechiae

Small, non-raised red dots caused by bleeding under the skin.

Port

Small devices placed under the skin and connected to a catheter that leads to a central vein.

Seizure

Sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbances in the brain.

Syncope

(Also called vasovagal syncope.) A sudden fainting episode caused by a drop in heart rate and blood pressure.

Aggregation

The clumping of platelets to form a temporary plug at the site of blood vessel injury.

Analytes

Substances in the blood that are measured for diagnostic purposes.

Bilirubin

A yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down.

Capillary Action

The movement of liquid through a narrow space without the help of forces like gravity.

Dermal Puncture

(Also called capillary collection.) A puncture of the skin to obtain a capillary blood sample.

Endocrine

Relating to glands that release hormones into the bloodstream to regulate body functions.

Fibrinolysis

The process by which the body breaks down and removes a blood clot.

Galactosemia (GALT)

A metabolic disorder in which the body cannot process galactose.

Genetic

Inherited from a person's parents through DNA.

Hemolyze

To break down red blood cells, causing them to release their contents.

Hemostasis

The process by which the body stops bleeding after an injury.

Interstitial Fluid

The fluid surrounding cells and tissues.

Jaundice

A condition caused by excess bilirubin in the blood, leading to yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes.

Lancet

A small, sharp medical device used to puncture the skin for low-volume blood collection.

Metabolic

Involving the chemical processes the body uses to convert food into energy and maintain life.

Microcollection Tube

(Also called microcollection container.) A small plastic tube used to collect blood as it beads on the skin.

Microhematocrit Tube

A thin glass or plastic tube that draws blood through capillary action.

Neonate

A newborn less than four weeks old.

Newborn Screening (NBS)

A series of tests performed on newborns to detect metabolic, genetic, and endocrine disorders.

Osteomyelitis

Inflammation of the bone, usually caused by infection.

Plantar Surface

The part of the bottom of the foot that contacts the ground when standing or walking.

Point-of-Care Testing (POCT)

Medical diagnostic testing performed at or near the patient to provide rapid results.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels.

Aerobic

With oxygen.

Aliquot

(verb) To separate a portion of a larger sample for testing.