Phlebotomy Special Collections Notes

Peripheral Blood Smears

• Preparation involves using glass microscope slides for close examination of blood components.
• The wedge smear, or push slide technique, is the standard method.

Blood Cultures

• Requires strict aseptic techniques during collection.
• Prevents contamination and inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions.

Inborn Errors of Metabolism

• Standard blood collection involves skin puncture procedures on the heel for infants.

Blood Banks

• Blood is collected for donation.

Frequent Venipunctures

• Phlebotomists may calculate the effect of frequent venipunctures to prevent iatrogenic anemia, especially in infants.

Non-Blood Specimens

• Includes urine, saliva, sputum, fecal matter, and semen.
• Throat or buccal swabs may also be collected.