Collection of Blood and Non-Blood Specimens Flashcards
CLSI order of draw pt 1
Sterile Tube (blood cultures) - Yellow top, Coagulation Tube - Light Blue top, Serum Tube, Red top (glass or plastic) tube
CLSI order of draw pt 2
SST (Serum Separator Tubes) - Speckled Red/Gray, Tiger top, or Gold BD Hemoguard, PST (Plasma Separator Tubes) - Light Green or Dark Green top
CLSI order of draw pt 3
EDTA Tube - Lavender top, Glycolytic Inhibitor Tube - Gray top
Syncope
Sudden fainting can occur during specimen collection
Hematoma
This occurs when blood is leaking into the surrounding tissues, can be caused by advancing the needle too far or at the wrong angle, causing it to go through the vein
Petechiae
These are small, red, smooth, hemorrhagic spots appearing on a patient’s skin, which indicates that minute amounts of blood have leaked in the skin epithelium
Petechiae cause
too tight of a tourniquet
excessive bleeding
Coagulation times may vary if the patient is on a blood thinner. Be sure to apply appropriate pressure for a longer period for patients taking anticoagulants
Hemoconcentration
A decrease in the plasma volume with an increased concentration of cells and molecules may be caused by prolonged tourniquet application
Hemolysis
This occurs when RBC’s are lysed; hemoglobin is released and serum, which is normally straw colored, becomes tinged with pink or red
collapsed vein
Too strong of a vacuum on a small vein may cause the vein to collapse.
Lack of Blood Flow
A lack of adequate blood flow can be attributed to several factors. Blood will not flow if a defective evacuated tube without proper vacuum is used
Pediatric patients, Psychological needs
it is important to always calm pediatric patients, explain procedures, and involve the parents whenever possible
Geriatric patients, Physical Changes
Reduction in the collagen and elasticity in the skin of geriatric patients can lead to easy bruising longer coagulation times.
Geriatric patient Considerations
Such as hearing loss, visual impairment, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, or dementi
Guidelines for collecting specimens from geriatric patients (1)
Be sure to identify the patient using his/her ID brace
Guidelines for collecting specimens from geriatric patients (2)
Using a dermal puncture, when possible, will reduce blood loss and bruising.
Guidelines for collecting specimens from geriatric patients (3)
Apply the tourniquet more loosely and over clothing, if possible, to prevent bruising or collapsing of the vein.
Guidelines for collecting specimens from geriatric patients (4)
Massage the area to promote blood flow when locating veins, and ensure veins are anchored securely so they do not roll
Patients with VADs
Only specially trained personnel may perform blood collection from vascular access devices (VADs).