Table of Contents
When should venipuncture be avoided?
If the antecubital area of the patient’s arm is compromised or inaccessible, an alternate site must be chosen for venipuncture such as the top of the hand. However, some sites must be avoided due to the risk of complications and/or unnecessary pain to the patient.
What precautions can a phlebotomist take?
PROTECT YOURSELF Practice universal precautions: Wear gloves and a lab coat or gown when handling blood/body fluids. Dispose of needles immediately upon removal from the patient’s vein. Clean up any blood spills with a disinfectant such as freshly made 10% bleach. If you stick yourself with a contaminated needle:.
Who can draw blood from a patient?
A phlebotomist is someone who draws blood from a patient, for a variety of procedures including tests, transfusions, research, medical procedures or donations. Phlebotomists might work with patients, doctors, nurses, scientists and lab technicians.
Can you draw blood without being certified?
Technically, all but 4 states do not require any Phlebotomy Certification or License to draw blood. Most employers only hire phlebotomists with valid certifications or diplomas. There are, however, many people that have years of experience that have never passed a phlebotomy education program.
What blood tests increase stress phlebotomy?
A cortisol blood test is one of the most commonly used blood tests. Cortisol is a hormone that is released by the adrenal glands when one is under stress. Higher levels of cortisol would indicate higher levels of stress.
What is ETS phlebotomy?
The evacuated tube system (ETS) is the standard equipment used for routine venipuncture. It consists of a needle device, a tube holder, and an air-evacuated tube.
What can go wrong with phlebotomy?
Unsafe phlebotomy can cause adverse effects for patients; such effects are rare, but range from pain or bruising at the site of puncture, to fainting, nerve damage and haematoma.
What are the risks of being a phlebotomist?
TOP CONS OF BEING A PHLEBOTOMIST Exposure to pathogens. Risk of Needlestick injuries. Long Work hours. Encounters with Angry and rude people. Some people may be hard sticks. The low margin of error. How is your bedside manner? Long hours of standing.
What PPE is necessary when collecting blood?
Gloves. The most obvious example of PPE that most patients will notice are gloves worn by a Phlebotomist. Gloves are clean and nonsterile and must be worn at all times when collecting or handling blood and other body fluids, handling contaminated items and touching nonintact skin or mucous membranes.
Where can a phlebotomist draw blood from?
The most appropriate site to draw blood is selected based on vessel accessibility, patient age, and health status. Usually, the antecubital area, where the elbow bends, is used to access the median cubital vein.
Which body system does a phlebotomist use to draw blood?
Phlebotomy is when someone uses a needle to take blood from a vein, usually in your arm. Also called a blood draw or venipuncture, it’s an important tool for diagnosing many medical conditions. Usually the blood is sent to a laboratory for testing.
Is phlebotomy technician the same as phlebotomist?
A phlebotomy technician and a phlebotomist are interchangeable job titles for the same career. They both draw blood from patients, take care of lab equipment, take care of patients while in the lab and ship samples as applicable.
Can a phlebotomist draw blood without a doctor’s order?
In the US, some states allow patients to order their own lab work. In these so-called “Direct Access Testing” states, anyone can request their blood be drawn without a physician’s order.
Can uncertified medical assistants draw blood?
The regulations governing medical assistants can be found in Title 16, California Code of Regulations, sections 1366-1366.4. Medical assistants who have completed the minimum training prescribed by regulation may draw blood.
Can medical assistant draw blood?
The simple answer is no, medical assistants don’t draw blood, not unless they’ve received additional training. A medical assistant certificate that only covers traditional medical assistant skills doesn’t provide the training needed to draw blood.
What position should a patient never be in when having blood drawn?
DO NOT DRAW BLOOD ON A STANDING PERSON. Ask patient if s/he has had any previous problems having blood drawn. If necessary, recline chair If patient is prone to fainting or being ill.
Why can’t they draw blood from my veins?
Dehydration and collapsing veins Your veins contain much of the fluids in your body, so if you haven’t had much to drink the day of your draw, those little fluid filled vessels will not be as easy to access and are more likely to collapse flat when a needle is inserted.
How can you make blood easier to draw?
6 Tips For Making a Blood Draw Easier Drink Water. Full veins are plumper than veins that aren’t as full. Breathe. Don’t hold your breath while blood is drawn. Be Honest. Don’t Look. Ask For Someone Else. Sit Still.
What is SST in phlebotomy?
Serum separator tube (SST) contains a. gel at the bottom to separate blood cells. from serum on centrifugation.
What is the most critical error a phlebotomist make?
Some of the most common equipment-related mistakes include leaving the tourniquet on the patient for too long, not sterilizing the equipment properly, and not using the correct needle gauge.
What are the 3 most common veins used in phlebotomy where are they located?
The most site for venipuncture is the antecubital fossa located in the anterior elbow at the fold. This area houses three veins: the cephalic, median cubital, and basilic veins (Figure 1).
What is the most common error in phlebotomy technique?
The most common being hemolysis or the destruction of red blood cells. This happens due to the tube vibrating within its holding area. Another result from the machine not being balanced properly is the cracking or breaking of the tubes themselves inside the centrifuge machine.
Can you get an infection from getting blood drawn?
Risk: Having blood drawn may produce discomfort or minor bleeding and the possibility of bruising at the site of the needle puncture. There is also a slight risk of infection at the site of the needle puncture.
What is the most common patient concern when having blood drawn?
Getting blood drawn is a simple process, but the most common complication associated with it is bruising. Your doctor might call this kind of bruise is also called a hematoma. That’s a swollen area filled with blood. A hematoma that you get after a blood test often looks more serious than it is.
Is phlebotomy a good career choice?
Opportunities for Professional Growth You already know that phlebotomy pays better than many other entry-level jobs. But, it’s also an excellent career choice because it comes with many opportunities for growth. Some people remain a phlebotomist for their entire lives. You can find success in doing that.
Is a phlebotomy certification worth it?
Phlebotomy classes are also highly recommended because they are a way to launch yourself into a new career, regardless of a lack in college experience or a medical background. Classes act as a quick catalyst as well, because most do not take long to complete.
How many times can a phlebotomist stick a patient?
The number of venipuncture attempts to insert a short peripheral catheter is a critical factor in the ultimate health of your patient’s veins. The 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice call for no more than 2 attempts per clinician with a limit on the total number of attempts to 4.
