Show
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:
What can happen to the sample if a phlebotomist fails to notice the collection tube used is expired when drawing blood for testing quizlet?What can happen to the sample if a phlebotomist fails to notice the collection tube used is expired when drawing blood for testing? The tube may underfill. Which of the following would ensure positive patient identification prior to specimen collection? Patient's full name and hospital or medical record number.
What happens if you use expired blood tubes?Expired tubes should be discarded because out-of-date tubes may have decreased vacuum (preventing a proper fill) or degraded additives. Underfill of the specimen collection tube can result in inaccurate test results.
What are the common errors and their consequences in blood collection procedure?Common errors in blood sample collection include in- correct identification, wrong tube, insufficient sample quantity, clot- ting, hemolysis, and contamination. Unlike some other errors, mislabel- ing of blood samples is 100% pre- ventable.
What happens to blood sample if not stored correctly?If blood is not stored at between +2 °C and +6 °C, its oxygen- carrying ability is greatly reduced. viable. a unit of whole blood within 6 hours of collection, and has been rapidly frozen and maintained at all times at a temperature of minus –30 °C or lower.
|