The document outlines the importance of blood sample collection in pathology, detailing various types of blood samples such as venous, arterial, and capillary blood, along with the differences between them. It describes best practices for collection, including confirming patient identity, hand hygiene, and proper labeling, as well as methods of collection and preparation for both venous and arterial samples. Additionally, it provides protocols for capillary blood collection and emphasizes the importance of timely transportation to the lab for accurate testing.

1. Blood Sample
Collection
A N K U R VA S H I S H T H A
A S S I S TA N T P R O F E S S O R
D E PA R T M E N T O F M LT
S H A R DA S C H O O L O F A L L I E D H E A LT H S C I E N C E S
S H A R DA U N I V E R S I T Y

2. Blood Collection
Blood collection is a crucial step in pathology, as it involves taking a
blood sample from a patient for testing.
This process help diagnose various diseases and monitor the health of
patients.
The collected blood is carefully analyzed in the laboratory to check for
conditions like infections, anemia, and other health issues.

3. Types of blood samples
Venous Blood
Arterial Blood
Capillary Blood
Plasma and Serum
Whole Blood

4. Venous Blood
This is the most common type of blood
sample, collected from a vein, usually in the
arm.
It's used for a wide range of tests, including
blood chemistry, blood cell counts, and
hormone levels.

5. Arterial Blood
Collected from an artery, this type of sample is mainly used to
measure blood gases and pH levels, providing information about lung
function and oxygenation.

6. Differences Between Arteries and Veins
Arteries Veins
Function carry oxygenated blood except for pulmonary
arteries
carry deoxygenated blood except for pulmonary
veins
Walls Thicker and highly muscular. Thinner and less muscular.
Position Located deep within the body. Peripherally located closer to the skin.
Appearance Red in colour. Blue in colour.
Transport Carry blood away from the heart to various parts
of the body.
Carry blood towards the heart from the various
parts of the body.
Rate of Pressure High pressure Low pressure
Oxygen Level Higher oxygen level. Low oxygen level.
CO2 Level Low High
Lumen Narrow. wide
Valves Absent Present

7. Capillary Blood
This is collected from the capillaries, typically by pricking the fingertip,
heel, or earlobe.
It's often used for quick tests like blood sugar monitoring, especially in
diabetes management.

8. Plasma and Serum
After blood is drawn, it can be processed to
separate the plasma (the liquid portion) or
serum (plasma without clotting factors).
These are used for various biochemical tests,
including those for electrolytes, enzymes, and
proteins.

9. Difference between plasma and serum
Plasma Serum
Transparent , Straw- coloured, Liquid portion of the blood Undiluted fluid, extracellular portion blood
Composed of serum and clotting factor Part of the Blood which lacks clotting factor
It is acquired after centrifuging blood within the
anticoagulant
It is acquired after centrifuging of coagulated blood.
Anticoagulant is required to obtain plasma from the blood
sample
Anticoagulant is not required to separate the serum from
the blood sample
55 % of the total volume of Blood < Volume compression to plasma
Comparatively easier and less time is required to separate
the plasma from the blood sample.
Difficult to separate serum from the blood sample. It is a
time-consuming process.
Contains fibrinogen. Lacks fibrinogen.
Consists of 92% water with proteins, salts, lipids, and
glucose.
Consists of 90% water with dissolved hormones,
proteins, minerals, and carbon dioxide.
long shelf life. It can be preserved up to ten years. short shelf life. It can be preserved only for a few
months.

10. Whole Blood
This sample includes all components of blood
—red cells, white cells, platelets, and plasma
—and is used for tests like complete blood
counts (CBC) and blood grouping.

11. Best Practices for Blood Sample
Collection
 Confirm Identity: Always double-check the patient's name and details.
 Hand Hygiene: Wash hands and wear gloves before starting.
 Use the Right Equipment: Choose the correct needle and tubes for the test.
 Proper Site Selection: Pick the best vein or site for the blood draw.
 Apply Tourniquet: Use the tourniquet correctly but not for too long.
 Label Samples Immediately: Write the patient's details on the tubes right away.
 Handle with Care: Transport the samples quickly and correctly to the lab.

12. Methods of Blood Collection
Venipuncture: Blood drawn from a vein, usually in the arm. Most common method.
Arterial Puncture: Blood drawn from an artery, often used for gas tests.
Capillary Collection: Blood collected from a finger or heel prick, used for quick
tests.
Bone Marrow Aspiration: A small amount of bone marrow is collected for specific
tests.

13. Requirements for Blood Sample
Collection
 Patient Information: Ensure correct patient details are recorded.
 Sterile Equipment: Use clean and sterile needles, tubes, and gloves.
 Tourniquet: Needed to help find the vein.
 Labels: Proper labeling for all blood samples.
 Gauze and Bandages: To stop bleeding after the blood draw.
 Proper Handling: Quick and careful transport to the lab.

16. Venous Blood Collection Sites
1.Median Cubital Vein: Located in the inner elbow. Most
common and easiest site to access.
2.Cephalic Vein: Found on the outer side of the forearm.
Useful if the median cubital vein is difficult to access.
3.Basilic Vein: Located on the inner side of the forearm.
Often used when other veins are not suitable.

17. Venous Blood Collection
Prepare: Wash hands, wear gloves.

18. Apply Tourniquet: Above the chosen vein to make it more visible.

19. Clean Site: Wipe with an alcohol swab and let it dry.

20. Insert Needle: Gently insert needle into the vein.

21. Collect Blood: Attach and fill collection tubes.

22. Remove Needle: Apply pressure with gauze and remove the needle.
Label and Bandage: Label the tubes and place a bandage on the site

23. Arterial Blood Collection
Select the Artery:
Common sites include the radial artery
(preferred), brachial artery, or femoral artery.

24. Clean the Site:
Use an alcohol swab to clean the site in a circular motion from the
center outward. Allow it to dry completely to avoid contamination.

25. Apply Pressure:
Palpate the artery to locate it. Apply
gentle pressure to stabilize the
artery.

26. Insert the Needle:
•Use a sterile needle at a 30-45 degree angle to the skin. Insert it quickly
and smoothly into the artery until blood begins to flow into the syringe.
•Avoid excessive movement to prevent damage to the artery.

27. Withdraw the Needle:
•Once the required amount of blood is collected, gently withdraw the needle
while applying pressure with a gauze pad to prevent bleeding.
Secure the Site:
•Apply pressure to the puncture site for at least 5 minutes to ensure
hemostasis.
•Apply a bandage if necessary.

28. Label the Sample:
•Label the syringe immediately with the patient’s information, date, and time of
collection.
Transport the Sample:
•Ensure the sample is transported to the laboratory promptly to prevent changes
in gas levels.
Follow-Up
Monitor the Patient:
• Observe the patient for any adverse reactions or complications.

29. Capillary Blood Collection
Clean the Site:
•Choose the fingertip or heel (for infants) as the collection site.
•Clean the area with an alcohol swab and let it dry.

30. Prepare the Lancet:
•Open the lancet package.
•Use a lancet designed for capillary
blood collection.

31. Puncture the Skin:
•Hold the finger or heel firmly.
•Use the lancet to make a quick,
gentle puncture on the side of the
fingertip or heel.

32. Collect the Blood:
•Allow a small drop of blood to form.
•Touch the drop of blood to the collection
tube or blood spot card, depending on the
test requirements.

33. 1.Apply Pressure:
•Use a clean gauze or cotton ball to apply gentle pressure to the puncture site
to stop the bleeding.
2.Dispose of the Lancet:
•Safely dispose of the used lancet in a sharps container.
3.Record the Sample:
•Label the sample with the patient’s details.
•Ensure all necessary information is recorded.
4.Clean Up:
•Wash hands again.
•Clean and disinfect the work area.