Blood Collection Techniques

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of red blood cells (RBCs)?

To stimulate blood clotting

To defend the body against infections

To help regulate body temperature

To transport oxygen (correct)

What is the main component of plasma?

Lipids

Fibrinogen

Water (correct)

Carbohydrates

Why is correct patient identification critical in phlebotomy?

To accurately record patient medical history

To ensure the blood sample is properly collected (correct)

To comply with laboratory safety guidelines

To prevent blood contamination

What is the distinction between plasma and serum?

Plasma contains fibrinogen, while serum does not Signup and view all the answers

What precaution must be taken by phlebotomists to protect against infections?

Wear gloves at all times Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of cleaning the puncture site with 70% alcohol before blood collection?

To prevent contamination and infection Signup and view all the answers

Why should Betadine not be used to clean the phlebotomy area?

It may lead to erroneous test results Signup and view all the answers

What should be done with needles after use in phlebotomy?

They must be disposed of in a puncture-resistant container Signup and view all the answers

In which situation is skin puncture preferred for blood collection?

When the patient has poor veins or IV infusions Signup and view all the answers

Which item is typically NOT used during a skin puncture for blood collection?

Intravenous catheter Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Blood Composition

Blood consists of approximately 45% formed elements: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets.
RBCs contain hemoglobin that binds oxygen, while WBCs protect against infections.
Platelets are primarily involved in stopping bleeding.
The liquid portion of blood is around 55%, with about 90% as water and 10% as proteins (albumin, globulin, fibrinogen), carbohydrates, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, lipids, and salts.
Blood without anticoagulants is called serum post-coagulation and lacks fibrinogen.

Phlebotomy Techniques

Proper patient identification is crucial; hospital patients identified via wristbands, outpatients via verbal confirmation and requisition slips.
Blood specimens require labeling with the patient's full name, hospital ID number, location, time, date, and phlebotomist's initials for accurate tracking.
Gloves must be worn at all times to prevent bloodborne infections (HBV/HIV) and hands should be washed between patients.
The puncture site should be cleaned with 70% alcohol; Betadine is not recommended due to potential test interference.
Sharp instruments and needles must be disposed of in puncture-resistant biohazard containers; recapping is prohibited.

Skin Puncture

Skin puncture, or microsampling, is often used in specific patient categories:
- Infants under 6 months due to limited blood volume and risks associated with venipuncture.
- Young children when only small blood samples are needed, typically collected from the finger.
- Adults with poor vein visibility or those receiving IV infusions may also require finger punctures.

Required Reagents & Equipment

70% alcohol for cleaning the puncture site.
Sterile gauze for pressure and cleaning.
Skin puncture device (sterile blood lancet) for drawing blood.
Capillary tubes and Microtainers for specimen collection.

Description

Test your knowledge on blood collection methods including venipuncture and skin puncture. This quiz also covers the composition of blood, detailing the roles of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Perfect for students in healthcare or related fields.