Phlebotomy Overview: Blood Collection Methods

What are the three types of blood collection methods?

Which type of blood collection method is performed by a physician?

What are the common arterial puncture sites?

What type of blood sample is collected using a lancet?

What type of test may require an urgent test?

What is a specialized tool used in venipuncture?

What type of patient may require capillary punctures?

What is the advantage of using capillary punctures?

What is the purpose of 'milking' in capillary punctures?

What type of syringe is used in venipuncture?

What is the difference between a 25G and a 21G needle?

What is the purpose of a tourniquet in venipuncture?

What type of blood tubes are used in capillary punctures?

What is the purpose of iodine tincture in phlebotomy?

Blood Collection Methods

There are three main methods of blood collection: Arterial Puncture, Capillary Puncture, and Venipuncture
Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages

Arterial Puncture

Collected by physicians
Risky, as blood is under pressure
Used for arterial blood gases, acidity, alkalinity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide measurements
Common arterial puncture sites include radial, brachial, and femoral arteries

Capillary Puncture

Uses different types of materials, such as lancets (simple and retractable), automatic (pen devices), and adjustable depths
Characterized by a small volume of blood, less invasive, and rapid tests/POCT
Performed using a perpendicular, "milking" motion, at different sites for different patients, and is easier to acquire and perform

Venipuncture

Uses syringes, evacuated tubes, and needles of different sizes (e.g., 3 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, 20 ml) and lengths (e.g., 1 inch, 1.5 inch)
Needles of different gauges (e.g., 21G, 22G, 23G, 25G) are used, with a smaller gauge indicating a larger needle
Vacutainer hubs are used for ETS (Evacuated Tube System)

Common Phlebotomy Materials

Capillary puncture materials: gauze (wet and dry), iodine tincture, lancets, micro-capillary tubes, paediatric blood tubes, regular blood tubes, and rapid/POCT devices
Venipuncture syringe method materials: needles, syringes, gauze (wet and dry), iodine tincture, lancets, regular blood tubes, blood culture bottles, tourniquet, spot bandages, bio bins, and sharp disposal bins

Learn about the different ways to collect blood samples from patients, including arterial, capillary, and venipuncture methods. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of each method and identify the common tools used.