Specimen Collection Basics

Question 1

What is the term for inflammation of a vein often accompanied by a clot due to trauma?

Answer 1

Thrombophlebitis

Question 2

What is hemoconcentration?

Answer 2

An increase in the number of blood formed elements resulting from a decrease in plasma volume.

Question 3

What is thrombosis?

Answer 3

A phlebotomy problem that stems from abnormal vascular conditions leading to thrombus formation.

Question 4

What is syncope?

Answer 4

Temporary or transient loss of consciousness due to lack of oxygen supply to the brain.

Question 5

What is the most common organism associated with reusable tourniquets?

Answer 5

S. epidermidis, S. aureus, MRSA.

Question 6

What are the typical lancet lengths for adults?

Answer 6

Old: 1.75 mm; New: 0.8 mm - 2.2 mm.

Question 7

What is the recommended incision depth for premature neonates?

Answer 7

Up to 0.85 mm, with the recommended puncture site being the heel.

Question 8

What is the recommended incision depth for infants under 6 months of age?

Answer 8

Up to 2.0 mm, with the recommended puncture site being the heel.

Question 9

What is the recommended lancet depth for healthy infants?

Answer 9

A lancet that is 1.0 mm deep by 2.5 mm long is recommended.

Question 10

What is the average blood volume for adult males and females?

Answer 10

5-6 L (5.5 L).

Question 12

What is the angle for brachial artery collection?

Answer 12

45 to 60 degrees

Question 13

What is the angle for femoral artery collection?

Answer 13

90 degrees

Question 14

What is the first step in specimen collection?

Answer 14

Proper patient identification

Question 15

What is the maximum amount of time for tourniquet application?

Answer 15

1 minute

Question 16

What is the blood pressure cuff mmHg inflation as a tourniquet substitute?

Answer 16

60 mmHg

Question 17

What is the tourniquet reapplication time in minutes?

Answer 17

2 minutes

Question 18

What is the best disinfectant for blood cultures?

Answer 18

Chlorhexidine gluconate in 70% alcohol

Question 19

What is the choice for venous blood collection?

Answer 19

1st: Median cubital, 2nd: Cephalic, 3rd: Basilic

Question 20

What should you memorize regarding specimen collection?

Answer 20

Order of draw and collection tubes components and functions

Question 21

What are the details in identification bracelets?

Answer 21

Complete name (first and last), hospital number, room number, and physician names

Question 22

What is the complete clotting time in a red top tube?

Answer 22

60 minutes

Question 23

What is the complete clotting time with thrombin particles?

Answer 23

30 minutes

Question 24

What is the relationship between needle bore and gauge?

Answer 24

Inverse proportionality

Question 25

What tube is used for ethanol collection?

Answer 25

Sodium fluoride (antiglycolytic agent)

Question 26

What tube is not supposed to be used for TDM?

Answer 26

Gel separator tubes (SST)

Question 27

What color is arterial blood?

Answer 27

Bright red (oxygenated) or dark red (deoxygenated)

Question 28

What is the gauge for brachial artery collection?

Answer 28

20 gauge

Question 29

What is the color of the SST tube?

Answer 29

Yellow, gold, or mottled red

Question 30

What is the complete clotting time in gel separators?

Answer 30

30 minutes

Question 31

If arm veins are unsuitable, what is the next site?

Answer 31

The recommended puncture site is the heel.

Question 32

What are the typical lancet lengths for infants and small children?

Answer 32

Lancet penetration depth for infants and small children is 2.0 mm.

Question 33

What is the typical lancet penetration depth for adults?

Answer 33

Lancet penetration depth for adults is 2.5 mm.

Question 34

What is the recommended incision depth for premature neonates (up to 3 kg)?

Answer 34

The recommended incision depth is up to 0.85 mm.

Question 35

What is the recommended incision depth for infants under 6 months of age?

Answer 35

The recommended incision depth is up to 2.0 mm.

Question 36

What is the recommended lancet size for healthy infants?

Answer 36

A lancet that is 1.0 mm deep by 2.5 mm long is recommended.

Question 37

What is the NaF/mL concentration for preventing glycolysis?

Answer 37

The NaF/mL concentration for preventing glycolysis is 2 mg/mL.

Question 38

What is the NaF/mL concentration for weak anticoagulation?

Answer 38

The NaF/mL concentration for weak anticoagulation is 10 mg/mL.

Question 39

What is the blood volume for adult males?

Answer 39

5-6 L (5.5L)

Question 40

What is the blood volume for adult females?

Answer 40

The blood volume for adult females is approximately 4-5 L (4.5L)

Question 41

What is the function of citrate in blood collection?

Answer 41

Citrate binds calcium to prevent clotting.

Question 42

What does dextrose provide in blood collection?

Answer 42

Dextrose provides a nutrient source for cells.

Question 43

Combines with calcium to form an insoluble salt

Answer 43

Oxalate

Question 44

Combines with calcium in a process called chelation

Answer 44

EDTA

Question 45

Combines with calcium in a non-ionized form

Answer 45

Citrate

Question 46

What is the preferred skin puncture site for newborns?

Answer 46

The medial or lateral plantar surface.

Question 47

What is the preferred skin puncture site for children and adults?

Answer 47

Palmar surface of the 3rd and 4th fingers.

Question 48

What is the least common site for skin puncture?

Answer 48

Earlobe.

Question 49

What is the best anticoagulant for synovial fluid cell counts?

Answer 49

EDTA.

Question 50

What is the best anticoagulant for synovial fluid crystal analysis?

Answer 50

Sodium heparin.

Question 51

What is the preferred anticoagulant for serous fluids?

Answer 51

Generally EDTA.

Question 52

What is the most common specimen used for blood gas analysis and pH measurement?

Answer 52

Arterial blood.

Question 53

Best anticoagulant for serous fluid mucin clot test and viscosity

Answer 53

None or Sodium heparin