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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 is normally used to perform aseptic technique during venipuncture?Aseptic technique means using practices and procedures to prevent contamination from pathogens. It involves applying the strictest rules to minimize the risk of infection.. sterile gloves.. sterile gowns.. masks for the patient and healthcare provider.. sterile drapes.. Which of the following types of tests is a phlebotomist allowed to perform?Which of the following types of tests is a phlebotomist allowed to perform according to CLIA regulations? A phlebotomist has orders for the following tests: CBC, chemistry panel, lead, and a toxicology screen via capillary puncture.
Which of the following precautions should a phlebotomist take when perform venipuncture on a patient who is on active anticoagulant therapy?Phlebotomy 1. Which of the following needles should a phlebotomist use for a venipuncture using a winged infusion?2 Butterfly Needles. Also known as winged infusion sets, these needles are used for both intravenous delivery of fluids or drugs or for blood collection (Figure 8). These needles are generally reserved for phlebotomy from patients with veins that are more fragile or difficult to access using a straight needle.
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