feb test Flashcards
What is the buffy coat?
Layer between the red cells and plasma in a centrifuged blood sample; contains WBCs and platelets
The buffy coat is crucial for identifying cellular components in a blood sample.
What does ESR stand for?
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a sample.
What is hematocrit?
Percentage of a blood sample made up of RBCs after centrifuging
HCT is an important diagnostic indicator of anemia and other blood disorders.
What is hemolysis?
Rupturing of red blood cells
Hemolysis can affect laboratory test results.
Define morphology.
Shape or form of objects
Morphology is often assessed in blood tests to identify abnormal cells.
What is a tourniquet?
Instrument to arrest the flow of blood by pressure applied with an encircling device
A tourniquet is commonly used during venipuncture.
How should you identify your patient for venipuncture?
Ask patients to state their full name and verify ID or chart number
It is important to ensure correct identification to avoid medical errors.
How can you prevent a hematoma during venipuncture?
Release the tourniquet before withdrawing the needle and apply pressure over the site
This technique helps minimize bruising and promotes clotting.
What should you tell a patient worried about pain from venipuncture?
Will feel a stick at point of needle but pain goes away immediately
Reassuring patients can help reduce anxiety during the procedure.
What special precautions should be taken for patients at risk for bleeding?
Hold several gauze squares over venipuncture site for at least five minutes
This helps control bleeding and promotes healing.
How can you allay a patient’s fear about contracting a disease from venipuncture?
Explain precautions taken to prevent disease spread
Demonstrating handwashing and sterile practices can reassure patients.
What is the most common pretest preparation performed by the patient prior to venipuncture?
Fasting
Fasting is essential for accurate results in many blood tests.
List two tests that require fasting.
- Cholesterol tests (lipid profile)
- Fasting blood sugar
Fasting ensures that the test results are not influenced by recent food intake.
What is the initial step for skin preparation specific for venipuncture for a blood culture?
Cleanse with isopropyl alcohol then with iodine or chlorhexidine in an outward circular pattern
Allow to dry after cleansing.
What are the two most common sites for venipuncture?
Median cubital vein and cephalic vein
Which fingers are most commonly used for capillary puncture?
Middle (great) finger and ring finger
The small depression inside the bend of the elbow is called the _______.
antecubital fossa
How far above the venipuncture site is the tourniquet applied?
3-4 inches
What is the order of draw for blood collection starting with the light yellow stopper?
- Light yellow: Sodium polyanetholsulfonate - Blood cultures
- Light blue: Sodium citrate - Coagulation studies
- Red: None - Blood chemistries, viral and serologic studies
- Gold or Red/gray: Clot activator, Silicone serum separator - Blood chemistries, routine blood donor screening, serology
- Green: heparin - Electrolyte studies and arterial blood gases
- Lavender: EDTA (anticoagulant) - Hematology
- Gray: Potassium oxalate or sodium fluoride - Blood glucose
What does ESR screen for?
Presence of an inflammatory process
What two blood tests are used to monitor diabetics?
Blood glucose and Hemoglobin A1C
