Phlebotomy And Misdiagnosis

Ever since we are little, most of us hate the idea of needle pricks at the doctor’s office. We cringe, cry, hold our moms hand or even embarrassingly pass out. Although we are difficult patients during the collection of blood specimens it is actually crucially important for a phlebotomist to perform proper collection of specimens. Phlebotomy can be the backbone of the laboratory and provide proper diagnosis for patients. Improper collection can lead to complications including misdiagnosis. Misdiagnosis can mean life or death for patients. Phlebotomists have multiple duties and responsibilities starting with preparing the patient for collection procedures, collect routine skin puncture and venous specimens for testing, prepare specimens for

This includes room number, postions in room as in bed/window, insurance information, correct tests, collection date, time and if he/she is fasting. This is important due to the fact that tests such as glucose and lipid profile can and will be altered if there has been an intake of food or drinks. After each patient requisite is in order with accurate information, I proceed to each patient’s room with my tools and supplies organized neatly in tool box. Although I have made sure my paper work is accurate it is necessary to make sure I properly identify the patient by asking their name and checking the patients’ wrist band. Now I am ready to begin the blood

When choosing the vein, the vein should bounce and feel tender. When choosing a proper site for puncture, decide with confidence and don’t take too long to find a spot. Once the spot is chosen, based on the size of the vein, use the proper needle size. For example smaller fragile veins use a butterfly needle to prevent the vein from blowing. Blowing the vein can cause the blood sample to hemolzye (breaking of the blood cells) and the lab may not be able to run the test. For plumper, bigger veins using a straight 22g needle is perfect or a butterfly if you prefer. Then in a circular motion cleanse the area. Otherwise, microorganisms from the skin could be picked up by the needle and carried into the vein, possibly causing an infection or can flow into the collection tube, contaminating the