Phlebotomy Medical Terminology Week 1

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Questions and Answers

What is the correct action to take with the needle when collecting samples?

Bevel down

Don't focus on the bevel

Needle should be angled horizontally

Bevel up (correct)

Which colored stopper tube requires that the full amount be drawn to ensure accurate testing?

Light Blue (correct)

Lavender

Gold

Dark Green

What is hemolysis?

The inflammation of a vein

Rupture of red blood cells (correct)

A condition causing a decrease in red blood cells

The process of blood clot formation

What should NOT be done when preparing the skin for venipuncture using an alcohol prep pad?

Use an up-and-down motion Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by a green cap on a collection tube?

21 gauge needle Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of platelets?

To form clots and stop bleeding Signup and view all the answers

What does 'QNS' stand for in blood collection terminology?

Quantity not sufficient Signup and view all the answers

How are arteries defined in the context of the circulatory system?

Blood vessels carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart Signup and view all the answers

When performing a blood culture, which type of sample is collected first?

Aerobic sample Signup and view all the answers

What does a CBC test measure?

The total count of blood cells including red and white cells Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes hemophilia?

A blood clotting protein deficiency Signup and view all the answers

Which tube is used for glucose testing?

Gray Signup and view all the answers

In what circumstance should a tourniquet not be tied for more than one minute?

To prevent vein damage Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of fibrinogen in the body?

To form blood clots Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient is unconscious during a blood draw?

Get assistance from the nurse station Signup and view all the answers

What causes petechiae to appear on the skin?

Bleeding into the skin from broken capillaries Signup and view all the answers

What is the liquid component of blood before clotting called?

Plasma Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is true about the RBCs during blood collection?

They require immediate testing Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Medical Terminology in Phlebotomy

Anemia: Decreased red blood cell count in the body.
Anticoagulant: Substance preventing blood clotting, available in various forms (liquid, powder, coated tubes).
Arteries: Blood vessels carrying oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.
Blood Cells: Varied cells circulating in the blood, including red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC).
Capillaries: Small blood vessels connecting arterioles and venules.
CBC: Complete blood count, a common blood test.
Cubic Centimeter: Volume measurement equivalent to that of a cube.
Differential: Blood test evaluating white blood cell quantities.
Fibrinogen: Protein essential for blood clot formation.
Hematology: Medical field focusing on blood-related studies.
Hematoma: Blood-filled tissue resulting from a blood vessel break.
Hemoglobin: Protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
Hemolysis: Rupture of red blood cells.
Hemophilia: Genetic disorder hindering effective blood clotting.
Hemorrhage: Significant blood loss from a damaged blood vessel.
Hemostasis: Process of stopping blood flow.
Petechiae: Small red or purple spots on the skin from capillary bleeding.
Phlebitis: Inflammation of a surface vein.
Plasma: Liquid component of blood before clotting, consisting of water, waste, hormones, antibodies, and blood cells.
Platelets: Colorless cell fragments that help form clots.
RBC: Responsible for oxygen transport throughout the body.
Serum: Liquid component of blood post-clotting.
Veins: Blood vessels transporting blood back to the heart.
WBC: Key components of the immune system, assisting in infection defense.

Sample Collection Techniques and Equipment

Blood collection methods involve the Evacuated Tube Method, requiring a needle, holder/hub, and evacuated tube. One venipuncture can fill multiple tubes.
Needles typically have two points; the larger side is the bevel which is crucial for insertion.
Colored caps indicate needle gauge:
- Green cap: 21 gauge (larger opening)
- Black cap: 22 gauge (smaller opening)
Always collect samples with the bevel up and discard needle and holder together.

Blood Drawing Protocols

Preparation: Use an alcohol prep pad starting from the center and moving outward to reduce contamination.
Tourniquet Application: Applied midway between shoulder and elbow, not to exceed one minute, enhances vein prominence.
Special Situations: Burns can warrant finger punctures, while obesity might require tourniquets on the forearm.
Take care with patients showing tremors, requiring assistance for safe sample collection.

Colored Stopper Tubes with Additives

Lavender/Pink: Contains EDTA, used for hematological tests and blood banking; yields plasma.
Light Blue: Contains Na Citrate, essential for coagulation tests (e.g., PT, PTT); requires full draw for plasma.
Light Green (PST): Lithium Heparin for STAT chemistry; includes gel separator for plasma.
Dark Green: Lithium or Sodium Heparin used in chemistry tests for plasma.
Gray: Contains Na Fluoride for glucose testing; produces plasma.
Plain Red: Used in blood banking, yielding serum.
Gold: Contains gel separator and clot activator for all chemistry tests, producing serum.

Cultures and Special Considerations

Blood cultures are done in sets of three; document which arm is used, alternating sides (e.g., left, right, left).
Aerobic cultures are collected first as they favor bacteria that require oxygen.
Difficult blood draw situations: Address individual needs with appropriate adjustments, such as seeking assistance for unconscious patients or complications from casts.

Important Notes

Never prelabel tubes; patient identification must be done accurately.
Communication is crucial: HIS (Hospital Information System) and LIS (Laboratory Information System) facilitate effective information exchange.
Avoid using regular 70% alcohol for cultures to prevent contamination.
STAT indicates immediacy in lab processing, differing from ASAP.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the essential medical terminology for phlebotomy in the first week of study. Key concepts include anemia, anticoagulants, and the functions of blood vessels. Test your understanding of these foundational terms essential for phlebotomy practice.