Phlebotomy Chapter 17 Flashcards

Venipuncture Techniques

• Needle insertion angle should be at 15 degrees; positioning is crucial for successful venipuncture.
• Angles less than 15 degrees can cause needle to enter above the vein, preventing proper puncture.
• Angles over 15 degrees risk puncturing the posterior wall of the vein, leading to hematoma.

Anatomical Considerations

• Antecubital space refers to the area in front of the elbow where venipuncture is commonly performed.

Key Terms in Phlebotomy

• Anticoagulant: Substance that inhibits blood clotting, important for blood sample preservation.
• Buffy coat: Layer of white blood cells and platelets between plasma and red blood cells after anticoagulant use.
• Evacuated tube: Pre-measured vacuum sealed glass or plastic tube used for blood collection.
• Hematoma: Swelling due to a mass of coagulated blood from a ruptured blood vessel.
• Hemoconcentration: Increased concentration of blood's non-filterable components due to reduced fluid content.
• Hemolysis: The breakdown of blood cells, which can impact sample quality.

Inflammation Conditions

• Osteochondritis: Inflammation of bone and cartilage.
• Osteomyelitis: Inflammation of bone or bone marrow due to bacterial infection.

Blood Collection Professionals

• Phlebotomist: Healthcare professional trained specifically for blood specimen collection.

Blood Component Details

• Phlebotomy: Procedure involving incision of a vein to collect blood.
• Plasma: Clear, straw-colored liquid making up about 55% of blood volume.
• Serum: Plasma with the clotting factor fibrinogen removed.

Blood Collection Processes

• Venipuncture: Technique of puncturing a vein for blood draw.
• Venous reflux: Backflow of blood from an evacuated tube into the patient’s vein, can cause adverse reactions.
• Venous stasis: Temporary slowing or cessation of venous blood flow.

Blood Collection Techniques

• Phlebotomy involves arterial puncture, venous puncture, and skin puncture for blood sample collection.
• Unique identifiers on labels include patient's full name and date of birth for accurate identification.
• Reassuring the patient before the procedure alleviates fears and helps in relaxing veins, making venipuncture easier.

Patient Positioning

• Ideal position for blood draw involves extending the arm downward, palm up, supported properly to prevent injury.
• Procedures should not be performed with the patient standing or on a stool to reduce fainting risks.

Tourniquet Use

• Applying a tourniquet makes veins more prominent for easier access while slowing venous blood flow.
• A tourniquet that is too tight may obstruct both venous and arterial blood flow, causing complications.