Phlebotomy Terminology Quiz

Patient Safety and Identification

• Patient identification is the crucial first step in the venipuncture process.
• Always confirm the patient's identity to ensure accurate testing and care.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• PPE includes gown, mask, and gloves, essential for the safety of phlebotomists.
• Protects against exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials.

Site Preparation and Drying

• Air drying is the best method to ensure a clean venipuncture site before proceed.
• Adequately clean the site to prevent infection prior to needle insertion.

Blood Safety Training

• OSHA mandates that all phlebotomists undergo training regarding blood borne pathogens and needle safety.
• Understanding safety protocols is critical to minimize the risk of exposure.

Universal Precautions

• Treat all specimens as potentially hazardous; implementing universal and standard precautions is vital.
• Always use gloves and appropriate measures regardless of the patient's known health status.

OSHA Role

• Contact OSHA regarding employee safety concerns and unsafe working conditions.
• OSHA oversees workplace safety and can provide guidelines and support for health care workers.

MSDS and Right to Know

• Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) informs about hazardous materials and is part of the "right to know" law.
• Employees have the right to be informed about the chemicals they may encounter at work.

Tube Colors and Additives

• Lavender tube with EDTA is used for CBC, Hct, Hgb, and Sed rate testing.
• Red SST tube contains no additives, suitable for certain serum tests.
• Light blue tube with Sodium Citrate is designed for Protime and APTT tests, maintaining a 9:1 blood-to-additive ratio.
• Grey tube, containing Oxalate, is utilized for ethanol specimens, with sodium fluoride as the preferred additive.

Needle Stick Protocol

• In the event of a needle stick accident, cleanse the site, gather patient information if possible, and notify a supervisor immediately.
• Quick action can mitigate risks and enhance safety procedures.

Tourniquet Guidelines

• The purpose of a tourniquet is to engorge veins, facilitating easier access for venipuncture.
• Do not leave a tourniquet in place for longer than one minute to prevent complications.

Finger Stick Procedure

• After each finger stick, always wipe away the first drop of blood, which may contain tissue fluid.
• This practice ensures accurate specimen collection and testing results.

Centrifuge Protocol

• Keep the centrifuge lid closed until it comes to a complete stop to minimize aerosol and microbial contamination risks.
• Proper protocols maintain specimen integrity.

Blood Smear Techniques

• Create blood smears at a 30-degree angle to ensure optimal spread of the blood specimen.

Pediatric Considerations

• If a standard-sized tube collapses the vein of a pediatric patient, switch to a pediatric tube to minimize trauma.

Common Cleansers

• Povidone Iodine and Chlorhexidine are the primary cleansers used for blood culture site preparation.
• Ensure correct use to prevent contamination during specimen collection.

Bleach Dilution for Decontamination

• For decontamination, mix 10% bleach with 90% water to effectively clean surfaces exposed to biological materials.

Blood Collection Techniques

• ABGs (Arterial Blood Gases) are drawn from the outer aspect of the wrist, specifically from the Radial Artery.
• Capillaries are the smallest vessels, while venules are the smallest veins in the body.

Respiratory System Functions

• The respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide, aiding in maintaining homeostasis.

Venipuncture Considerations

• Use a common site cleaner, such as 70% Isopropyl Alcohol, for venipuncture to ensure sterile conditions.
• Proper removal and application of pressure are necessary if swelling or a hematoma occurs at the venipuncture site.

Serum vs. Plasma

• Serum is the fluid portion of clotted blood, while plasma is the unclotted fluid containing all clotting factors.
• Understanding this difference is essential for accurate laboratory analysis.

Empathy and Patient Care

• Empathy involves the validation of a person's feelings, fostering better patient-provider relationships.
• Crucial for delivering compassionate healthcare.

Quality Assurance Indicators

• QA indicators are measurable facts that help assess the quality of care and services provided.

Urinary System Role

• The urinary system filters and eliminates waste while regulating water balance, playing a key role in bodily functions.

Fragile Skin Considerations

• When a patient has fragile skin, place the tourniquet over clothing or use a soft band to avoid damage.

Blood Collection Challenges

• If squeezing too much during a finger stick, tissue fluid may dilute blood, leading to erroneous results.
• Avoid excessive pressure when collecting capillary samples.

Drawing Blood Near an IV

• Always draw blood below an IV line to prevent contamination and interference with the sample.

Vein Selection for Obese Patients

• The cephalic vein is commonly selected for venipuncture in obese patients due to its accessibility.

Post-Procedure Protocol

• When leaving a patient's room, ensure all items (e.g., bed rails) are returned to their original position to maintain patient safety.

Infection Risks

• Hepatitis B is the most prevalent work-related acquired infection in laboratory settings, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols.

Importance of Complete Clotting

• Fibrin strands may appear in serum if the specimen was centrifuged before fully clotting, potentially impacting test results.

Test your knowledge on essential phlebotomy terms and procedures with these flashcards. Each card covers vital concepts such as patient identification and personal protective equipment. Perfect for students and professionals looking to reinforce their understanding of safety and techniques in blood collection.