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You are here: Geisinger Medical Laboratories > Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog > Blood Specimen Collection and ProcessingThe first step in acquiring a quality lab test result for any patient is the specimen collection procedure. The venipuncture procedure is complex, requiring both knowledge and skill to perform. Several essential steps are required for every successful collection procedure: Venipuncture Procedure:
Fingerstick Procedure:
Heelstick Procedure (infants):The recommended location for blood collection on a newborn baby or infant is the heel. The diagram below indicates the proper area to use for heel punctures for blood collection.
Order of Draw:Blood collection tubes must be drawn in a specific order to avoid cross-contamination of additives between tubes. The recommended order of draw is:
Labeling The SampleAll specimens must be received by the laboratory with a legible label containing at least two (2) unique identifiers. The specimen must be labeled with the patient's full name (preferably last name first, then first name last) and one of the following:
Areas to Avoid When Choosing a Site for Blood Draw:Certain areas are to be avoided when choosing a site for blood draw:
Techniques to Prevent Hemolysis (which can interfere with many tests):
Blood Sample Handling and Processing:Pre-centrifugation Handling - The first critical step in the lab testing process, after obtaining the sample, is the preparation of the blood samples. Specimen integrity can be maintained by following some basic handling processes:
Which of the following actions should a phlebotomy technician take when performing a venipuncture using an evacuated tube?Which of the following actions should a phlebotomy technician take when performing a venipuncture using an evacuated tube system? The technician should position the needle in the same direction as the vein and at a 30 degree angle with the bevel up.
Which of the following series of venipuncture steps should a phlebotomy technician recognize as the correct order?A phlebotomy technician should identify that which of the following series of a venipuncture steps is in the appropriate order? Assess the site, cleanse the site, and insert the needle.
Which of the following actions should a phlebotomy technician take to prevent bleeding from a venipuncture site after the needle is removed?Which of the following actions should a phlebotomy technician take to prevent bleeding from a venipuncture site after the needle is removed? Apply pressure to prevent leakage of blood into the tissues. A phlebotomy technician is performing a heelstick to obtain capillary blood for testing a newborn's bilirubin level.
Which of the following actions should a phlebotomy technician take when performing a blood culture collection?Which of the following actions should a phlebotomy technician take when performing a blood culture collection? Scrub the site with isopropyl alcohol for 1 min in outward, cocentric circles. 20. A phlebotomy technician experiences a needlestick injury while performing a draw.
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