Safety in Phlebotomy
Prepared by: Verniece Jean C. Claveria RMT
Definition and Overview of the practice of drawing blood.
Used for:
Diagnosis and management of disease
Blood removal for transfusions
Therapeutic reasons (e.g., Polycythemia, Hemochromatosis)
Supplies nutrients to tissues (O2, hormones, glucose)
Removes metabolic waste (CO2, urea, creatinine)
Provides defense (WBCs, antibodies)
Prevents blood loss (platelets, coagulation proteins)
Formed Elements:
Plasma
Leukocytes (Buffy coat)
Platelets
Erythrocytes
Composition Breakdown:
Formed elements (~45%)
Fluid component (~55%)
Water (~92%), Protein (~7%)
In vivo: Blood is fluid and clots protect injured vessels
In vitro: Clotting may be due to poor technique or sample triggering
Function: Remove calcium or neutralize thrombin
Types: Whole blood, Plasma, and Serum
Clotting is prevented: mix thoroughly
Components: Whole blood, Plasma (contains fibrinogen), Blood cells
Spontaneous clotting occurs
Components: Serum (lacks fibrinogen), Clot, Blood cells
Normal: Clear and yellow
Abnormal:
Hemolyzed (pink/red)
Icteric (orange-yellow)
Lipemic (cloudy)
Contain vacuum for drawing blood
Universal color-coded stoppers indicate contents
Expiration date present
Description of components (Ca, Fibrin, Thrombin)
No additive; activates clotting sequence
Use for Serum and TDM
Contains clot activator and gel
Used for Serum separation
Trace metal-free for specific analyses
Red: No additive = Serum
Purple: EDTA = Whole blood
Green: Heparin = Whole blood
Description of components (Ca, Thrombin, Fibrinogen)
Contains Sodium Citrate; critical blood:anticoagulant ratio
Use in coagulation studies
Contains Heparin; inhibits thrombin formation
Must be full and on ice if testing is delayed
Contains EDTA; used for hematology studies like CBC
Contains Potassium Oxalate and Sodium Fluoride
Limited use, mainly for glucose testing
Light blue Tube with 2 yellow bands; causes immediate clotting
Contains ACD for paternity testing and DNA
SPS for special blood cultures
Depends on test requirements
Require trained personnel and quality control
Infection spread requires:
Infectious substance
Mode of transmission
Susceptible host
Parenteral methods
Intramuscular, intravenous, subcutaneous, etc.
Goal: Stop the spread of infection
Handwashing (15 seconds minimum)
PPE requirements
Gloves, lab coat, mask
Cleaning agents: alcohol, iodine, soap
Cotton balls, gauze
Bandage and tape
Sharps container for disposal
Tourniquets; guidelines for use
Do not leave on for longer than 1 minute
Avoid vigorous hand clenching
Practical demonstration or description (not included)
Never reuse or recap needles
Sizes for common use
Description of bevel, shaft, hub, sleeve
Used with syringe and vacutainer systems
Used for small, fragile veins
Increased risk of needle stick injury
Description of components
Assembled syringe system, components described
Black marker (waterproof) required
Five items to include:
Patient name
ID number
Date and time of draw
Phlebotomist signature
Vacutainer is economical and quick; syringe offers control
Approach, communication, empathy
Needle positioned at 15° angle for optimal venipuncture
Correct sequence for filling tubes
Definition and origin of the term
Ancient practices and their purposes
Hippocrates' influence and bloodletting methods
Artistic reflections of early medical practices
Balance in body humors theory
Role of barbers in bloodletting
Case of George Washington and the risks of excessive bloodletting
Description of the method and its use
Historical use and modern resurgence in medicine
Active components in leech saliva
Purpose and methods used today
Manual dexterity, communication, organization
Preparing, collecting, and transporting specimens
Prioritizing specimens and compliance with safety rules
Role in patient experience and perception
Awareness of cultural differences in healthcare
Improved patient satisfaction and teamwork
Understanding beliefs and customs related to health
Importance of professionalism in phlebotomy
Self-confidence, integrity, compassion, motivation, dependability
Effects on perception and behavior
Significance of honesty and consistency
Understanding and responsiveness to patient needs
Taking initiative for patient care
Reliability in phlebotomy practice
Adhering to a code of ethics and patient welfare
Following standards to protect patients
Overview of rights regarding privacy and healthcare access
Understanding patient expectations and rights
Ethical obligation to protect patient information
Overview of healthcare delivery systems
Primary care: routine medical care by primary providers
Secondary care: specialized care via referrals
Tertiary care: advanced specialized treatment
Ambulatory vs. Nonambulatory
Describing services and patient stays
Clinical Analysis and Anatomical & Surgical Pathology
Purpose and functions of clinical laboratories
Divisions for efficient, accurate testing
Overview of departments and functions
Common tests performed and automation in labs
Examples of metabolic panels and their components
Focus on blood and blood-related diseases
Examples and clinical significance
Testing for blood clotting and anticoagulant therapy monitoring
Understanding serum and immune system testing
Clinical significance and applications
Analysis of urine composition and significance
Factors affecting physical and chemical evaluations
Role of microbiology in identifying infections
Preparation and testing for transfusions
Role of pathology in diagnosing disease
Clarifying the distinction between the two fields
Overview of CLIA and personnel qualifications
Directing laboratory services for patient benefit
Oversight of laboratory sections
Responsibilities in testing and reporting
Training, responsibilities, and certification process