1. Niko Lazovich, SN, MSN(c)
Audio Narration Optional

2. Two patient
identifiers
◦ Name, MRN, DOB
◦ Compare against
wristband and/or chart
Label specimens in
the presence of the
patient!

3. Minimum: 0.5 cc for almost all of the most
common labs
◦ E.g. chem 8/13, CBC, mag, phos, triglycerides, CRP,
iCal, etc
Coags are 1.8 cc
Blood cultures require more
◦ Minimum 3 cc, or until the fluid is pink
Unsure?
◦ Check out the “Laboratory” section on the webpage
for the Pink Book

4. Order of the Draw
Mixing

5. Cultures
Light
Blue
Red/Gol
d
Green/
Mint
Lavender
Royal
Blue
Gray Yellow
Note: Microtainers use the
opposite order!

6. Invert tubes 8-10 times for almost all labs,
except:except:except:except:
◦ Light Blue (4-5 times)
◦ Gold (4-5 times)
◦ Red (4-5 times)
One inversion is flipping it upside down and
right-side up again
Don’t shake it! This causes hemolysis
Even more important for Microtainer draws

7. Name should be at
the top of the tube
Write in your user
ID, collection date,
and time
Make sure it’s
straight
“Hospital-Gown
Look”

8. Preventing hemolysis
◦ Don’t push/pull the syringe
◦ Don’t shake the tube
◦ Foaming often suggests hemolysis
◦ USE THE TRANSFER DEVICE! Avoid using needlesUSE THE TRANSFER DEVICE! Avoid using needlesUSE THE TRANSFER DEVICE! Avoid using needlesUSE THE TRANSFER DEVICE! Avoid using needles
Specimens on Ice
◦ Ammonia
◦ iCal
◦ Mixed venous for co-ox
Follow protocol on every draw