Blood Collection:
A Short Course, 2nd edition
UNIT 2
VENIPUNCTURE
EQUIPMENT
Marjorie Schaub Di Lorenzo, MT(ASCP)SH
Susan King Strasinger, DA, MT(ASCP)
∗ Differentiate between an evacuated tube system,
syringe, and a winged blood collection set for the
collection of blood by venipuncture.
∗ Differentiate among the various needle sizes as to
length, gauge, and purpose.
∗ Discuss methods to safely dispose of contaminated
needles.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
∗ Identify the types of evacuated tubes by color code,
and state the anticoagulants and additives present,
the mechanism of action, any special characteristics,
and the purpose of each.
∗ List the correct order of draw for the various types of
blood collection tubes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
∗ Discuss the purpose and types of tourniquets.
∗ Name three substances used to cleanse the skin prior
to venipuncture.
∗ Discuss the use of gloves, gauze, and bandages when
performing venipuncture.
∗ Describe the quality control of venipuncture
equipment.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
∗Selection
∗Convenience to collection area
EQUIPMENT ORGANIZATION
PHLEBOTOMY TRAYS
∗ Equipment transport
∗ Placement
∗ Disinfection
MOBILE PHLEBOTOMY WORKSTATIONS
OUTPATIENT DRAWING STATIONS
∗ Evacuated tube system
∗ Syringe system
∗ Winged blood collection set
VENIPUNCTURE METHODS
EVACUATED TUBE SYSTEMS
∗ Eliminate transfer of blood
∗ Minimize exposure to blood
∗ Three-part system
∗ Sterile, disposable
∗ Standard gauge, 20–22
∗ 21-22 gauge standard with evacuated tubes
∗ Length, 1 or 1.5 inches
∗ 23 gauge with ¾” length may be used
∗ Children/persons with small veins
NEEDLES
∗ Avoid
∗ Most have eliminated 20-gauge needles
∗ Patients on blood thinner = hematomas
∗ Use of 25-gauge needles
∗ Needle in vein longer
∗ Tube fills more slowly–microclots form
∗ Hemolysis occurs more frequently
NEEDLES
NEEDLE DESCRIPTIONS
∗Structure
∗Barbed needles
NEEDLE INSPECTION
NEVER RECAP A NEEDLE
ONCE THE SHIELD HAS
BEEN REMOVED.
∗Shields
∗Blunting devices
∗Retracting devices
SAFETY NEEDLES
SAFETY GLIDE BLOOD COLLECTION
SYSTEM
BD VACUTAINER ECLIPSE NEEDLE
VENIPUNCTURE NEEDLE-PRO
BLUNTING NEEDLES
HOLDER DESCRIPTION
∗Tube advancement
∗Tube removal
∗Loss of vacuum
TUBE HOLDER PROCEDURE
TYPES OF HOLDERS
∗ Venipuncture Needle-
Pro, Vanish-Point, and
BD holders
BECOME THOROUGHLY
FAMILIAR WITH THE
OPERATION OF YOUR NEEDLE
SAFETY SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING BLOOD
COLLECTION.
NEEDLE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS
∗Puncture-
resistant
containers
• Rigid, leakproof,
biohazard labeling
∗ Syringes with needles attached
∗ Winged blood collection sets
∗ Adapters with needles attached
∗ Safety shields activated
DIRECT DISPOSAL
COLLECTION TUBES
∗Rubber stoppers
∗Hemogard closures
∗Color-coding
• Identifies the type of anticoagulant/additive
DESCRIPTION
STOPPER DESIGN
∗ Premeasured vacuum
• Desired volume
• Partial fill tubes
∗ Color-coded
∗ Types of anticoagulant
• Liquid
• Powder
• Spray-coated
∗ Mixing
METHODOLOGY
DO NOT TRANSFER BLOOD
BETWEEN TUBES
CONTAINING DIFFERENT
ANTICOAGULANTS OR
ADDITIVES.
∗ EDTA is the anticoagulant
∗ Specimen is whole blood
∗ Primary test is the CBC
• Maintains cellular integrity
• Inhibits platelet clumping
• Does not interfere with routine staining procedures
∗ CLSI recommends spray-dried K2EDTA for hematology
tests
∗ Do not use for coagulation tests
LAVENDER TUBES
∗ K2EDTA is the anticoagulant
∗ Specimen is whole blood
∗ Designated tube for blood bank tests
∗ Special label required by the AABB
PINK TUBES
∗ K2EDTA is the anticoagulant with gel
∗ Plasma preparation tube (PPT)
∗ Specimen is plasma
∗ Used for molecular diagnostic tests
WHITE TUBES
∗ Sodium citrate is the anticoagulant
∗ Specimen is plasma
∗ Primarily used for coagulation tests
• Preserves coagulation factors
∗ Ratio of blood to liquid Na citrate = 9:1
• Make adjustments for high and low HCTs
LIGHT BLUE TUBES
INCOMPLETELY FILLED
LIGHT-BLUE TUBES ARE
REJECTED
BY THE LABORATORY.
OVERMIXING LIGHT BLUE
TUBES CAN ACTIVATE
PLATELETS AND PRODUCE
ERRONEOUS COAGULATION
TEST RESULTS.
∗ Specimen is plasma
∗ Used for fibrin degradation products
∗ Additives are thrombin and soybean trypsin inhibitor
SPECIAL BLUE TUBES
∗ Sodium citrate is the anticoagulant
∗ Blood to liquid anticoagulant is 4:1
∗ Specimen is whole blood
∗ Used for Westergren sedimentation rates
∗ Specially designed tubes
BLACK TUBES
∗ Heparin is the anticoagulant
∗ Specimen is plasma
∗ Chemistry tests
∗ Avoid anticoagulant interference with particular tests
(Na, NH4, Li)
∗ Heparin interferes with differential staining
GREEN TUBES
∗ Plasma separator tubes (PSTs)
∗ Lithium heparin is the anticoagulant
∗ Additive is separation gel
∗ Specimen is plasma
∗ Separates plasma from cells
∗ Ideal for potassium tests and other chemistry tests
LIGHT GREEN/GREEN BLACK TUBES
∗ Potassium oxalate or Na2EDTA may be the
anticoagulant
∗ Antiglycolytic agent, sodium fluoride, is the additive
∗ Specimen may be plasma or serum
∗ Used for glucose and blood alcohol levels
∗ Sodium fluoride interferes with some enzyme tests
∗ Potassium oxalate distorts RBC morphology
GRAY TUBES
∗ Plain with clot activator, sodium heparin, or
K2EDTA
∗ Specimen may be serum or plasma
∗ Specially formulated rubber stoppers
∗ Chemically clean tubes
∗ Used for trace elements, toxicology, and
nutrients
ROYAL BLUE TUBES
∗K2EDTA is the anticoagulant
∗Specimen in plasma
∗Contain less than 0.01 µg/mL lead
∗Used for lead testing
TAN TUBES
∗Blood bank
• Acid citrate dextrose (ACD)
∗ Preserves red blood cells
∗Microbiology
• Sodium polyanetholsulfonate (SPS)
• Blood cultures
∗ Aids microorganism recovery
YELLOW TUBES
∗Thrombin is the additive
∗Specimen is serum
∗Used for STAT serum chemistry
tests
ORANGE/YELLOW GRAY TUBES
GOLD/RED-GRAY (SST) TUBES
∗ Additives
∗ Silica clot activator
∗ Thixotropic separation gel
∗ Specimen is serum
∗ Allow to clot for 30 minutes
∗ Used for chemistry tests
∗ Do not use for blood bank or
some immunology/serology tests
CENTRIFUGATION OF
INCOMPLETELY CLOTTED SST
TUBES CAN PRODUCE A
NONINTACT GEL BARRIER AND
POSSIBLY CELLULAR
CONTAMINATION OF SERUM.
∗Silica clot activator is the additive
∗Specimen is serum
∗Used for serology, chemistry, and
blood bank testing
RED PLASTIC TUBES
∗ No anticoagulants or additives
∗ Specimen is serum
∗ Allow to clot for 60 minutes
∗ Used for chemistry, serology, and blood bank testing
RED GLASS TUBES
∗ No additives or anticoagulants
∗ Used as a discard tube
CLEAR/RED-LIGHT GRAY TUBES
∗Prevents specimen contamination
by:
• Tissue thromboplastin
• Anticoagulants
• Additives
• Microorganisms
ORDER OF DRAW
∗Tissue thromboplastin affecting
coagulation tests
∗Transfer of EDTA to a tube for
calcium testing
∗Transfer of Na citrate or K oxalate
to a tube for electrolyte testing
EXAMPLES
CLSI-RECOMMENDED ORDER OF
DRAW
∗ Blood culture
∗ Light-blue
∗ Red/gray, gold, red plastic or glass
∗ Light green PST, green
∗ Lavender, pink, white
∗ Gray
∗ Yellow/gray, orange
∗Used for small, fragile veins
∗Suction pressure on vein can be
controlled
∗Coordinate syringe size with
volume of blood required
SYRINGES
SYRINGE DESCRIPTION
SYRINGE-TO-EVACUATED TUBE TRANSFER
∗ Blood transfer device
∗ CLSI recommends the same order of draw for both
evacuated tube system and filling tubes from a syringe.
CLSI-RECOMMENDED SYRINGE ORDER OF
DRAW
WINGED BLOOD COLLECTION SETS
∗ IV fluid infusion
∗ Very small adult veins
∗ Pediatric specimens
WINGED BLOOD COLLECTION SETS
WINGED BLOOD COLLECTION SETS
PUNCTURE GUARD WINGED BLOOD
COLLECTION SET
COMBINATION SYSTEMS
∗ Blood collection tube and
collection device are combined in
one unit
∗ Blood collected by either
evacuated tube or syringe
technique
∗ Use regular needles or winged
blood collection needles
TOURNIQUETS
TYPES OF TOURNIQUETS
∗ Flat latex strips
∗ Velcro/buckle closures
∗ Rubber tubing
∗ Blood pressure cuffs
∗ Disposable nonlatex
strips
∗ Assists in vein location
∗ Impedes venous but not arterial blood
TOURNIQUET PURPOSE
∗ Venoscope II, Neonatal Transilluminator, and
Transillumination Vein Locator
∗ Uses high-intensity LED lights
∗ Shines through patient’s subcutaneous tissue
∗ Absorbs light
∗ Highlights vein
∗ Vena-Vue–uses liquid crystal thermography
∗ Vein Entry Indicator Device (VEID)–sensor technology
VEIN-LOCATING DEVICES
VENOSCOPE
GLOVES
∗ OSHA mandated
∗ Latex versus nonlatex
∗ Powdered versus
nonpowdered
ANTISEPTICS
∗ 70% isopropyl alcohol
• Routine venipuncture
∗ Iodine/chlorhexidine
gluconate
• Blood cultures
• Arterial punctures
GAUZE/BANDAGES
∗ 2 x 2 gauze pads
• Apply pressure to puncture
site
∗ Bandages/tape
• Apply after bleeding stops
• Remove within 1 hour
• Latex-free
∗ Self-adhesive gauze
ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES
∗ Pen
∗ Biohazard bags
∗ Hand sanitizers
∗Needles
• Disposable
• Tightly sealed for sterility
• Visual examination
EQUIPMENT QUALITY CONTROL
∗Lot numbers
∗Expiration date
• Ensures stability of:
∗ Vacuum
∗ Anticoagulants
∗ Additives
EVACUATED TUBES QUALITY
CONTROL
∗Short draws
• Excessive dilution by liquid anticoagulant
• Underfilled sodium citrate tubes cause a falsely lengthened
aPTT result
• Distortion of cellular structures
• Underfilled EDTA tubes cause red blood cell shrinkage
∗Avoid manual filling of additive
tubes
POSSIBLE ERRORS

Venipuncture Equipment Unit 2

  • 1.
    Blood Collection: A ShortCourse, 2nd edition UNIT 2 VENIPUNCTURE EQUIPMENT Marjorie Schaub Di Lorenzo, MT(ASCP)SH Susan King Strasinger, DA, MT(ASCP)
  • 2.
    ∗ Differentiate betweenan evacuated tube system, syringe, and a winged blood collection set for the collection of blood by venipuncture. ∗ Differentiate among the various needle sizes as to length, gauge, and purpose. ∗ Discuss methods to safely dispose of contaminated needles. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  • 3.
    ∗ Identify thetypes of evacuated tubes by color code, and state the anticoagulants and additives present, the mechanism of action, any special characteristics, and the purpose of each. ∗ List the correct order of draw for the various types of blood collection tubes. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  • 4.
    ∗ Discuss thepurpose and types of tourniquets. ∗ Name three substances used to cleanse the skin prior to venipuncture. ∗ Discuss the use of gloves, gauze, and bandages when performing venipuncture. ∗ Describe the quality control of venipuncture equipment. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  • 5.
    ∗Selection ∗Convenience to collectionarea EQUIPMENT ORGANIZATION
  • 6.
    PHLEBOTOMY TRAYS ∗ Equipmenttransport ∗ Placement ∗ Disinfection
  • 7.
  • 8.
  • 9.
    ∗ Evacuated tubesystem ∗ Syringe system ∗ Winged blood collection set VENIPUNCTURE METHODS
  • 10.
    EVACUATED TUBE SYSTEMS ∗Eliminate transfer of blood ∗ Minimize exposure to blood ∗ Three-part system
  • 11.
    ∗ Sterile, disposable ∗Standard gauge, 20–22 ∗ 21-22 gauge standard with evacuated tubes ∗ Length, 1 or 1.5 inches ∗ 23 gauge with ¾” length may be used ∗ Children/persons with small veins NEEDLES
  • 12.
    ∗ Avoid ∗ Mosthave eliminated 20-gauge needles ∗ Patients on blood thinner = hematomas ∗ Use of 25-gauge needles ∗ Needle in vein longer ∗ Tube fills more slowly–microclots form ∗ Hemolysis occurs more frequently NEEDLES
  • 13.
  • 14.
  • 15.
    NEVER RECAP ANEEDLE ONCE THE SHIELD HAS BEEN REMOVED.
  • 16.
  • 17.
    SAFETY GLIDE BLOODCOLLECTION SYSTEM
  • 18.
  • 19.
  • 20.
  • 21.
  • 22.
    ∗Tube advancement ∗Tube removal ∗Lossof vacuum TUBE HOLDER PROCEDURE
  • 23.
    TYPES OF HOLDERS ∗Venipuncture Needle- Pro, Vanish-Point, and BD holders
  • 24.
    BECOME THOROUGHLY FAMILIAR WITHTHE OPERATION OF YOUR NEEDLE SAFETY SYSTEM BEFORE PERFORMING BLOOD COLLECTION.
  • 25.
  • 26.
    ∗ Syringes withneedles attached ∗ Winged blood collection sets ∗ Adapters with needles attached ∗ Safety shields activated DIRECT DISPOSAL
  • 27.
  • 28.
    ∗Rubber stoppers ∗Hemogard closures ∗Color-coding •Identifies the type of anticoagulant/additive DESCRIPTION
  • 29.
  • 30.
    ∗ Premeasured vacuum •Desired volume • Partial fill tubes ∗ Color-coded ∗ Types of anticoagulant • Liquid • Powder • Spray-coated ∗ Mixing METHODOLOGY
  • 31.
    DO NOT TRANSFERBLOOD BETWEEN TUBES CONTAINING DIFFERENT ANTICOAGULANTS OR ADDITIVES.
  • 32.
    ∗ EDTA isthe anticoagulant ∗ Specimen is whole blood ∗ Primary test is the CBC • Maintains cellular integrity • Inhibits platelet clumping • Does not interfere with routine staining procedures ∗ CLSI recommends spray-dried K2EDTA for hematology tests ∗ Do not use for coagulation tests LAVENDER TUBES
  • 33.
    ∗ K2EDTA isthe anticoagulant ∗ Specimen is whole blood ∗ Designated tube for blood bank tests ∗ Special label required by the AABB PINK TUBES
  • 34.
    ∗ K2EDTA isthe anticoagulant with gel ∗ Plasma preparation tube (PPT) ∗ Specimen is plasma ∗ Used for molecular diagnostic tests WHITE TUBES
  • 35.
    ∗ Sodium citrateis the anticoagulant ∗ Specimen is plasma ∗ Primarily used for coagulation tests • Preserves coagulation factors ∗ Ratio of blood to liquid Na citrate = 9:1 • Make adjustments for high and low HCTs LIGHT BLUE TUBES
  • 36.
    INCOMPLETELY FILLED LIGHT-BLUE TUBESARE REJECTED BY THE LABORATORY.
  • 37.
    OVERMIXING LIGHT BLUE TUBESCAN ACTIVATE PLATELETS AND PRODUCE ERRONEOUS COAGULATION TEST RESULTS.
  • 38.
    ∗ Specimen isplasma ∗ Used for fibrin degradation products ∗ Additives are thrombin and soybean trypsin inhibitor SPECIAL BLUE TUBES
  • 39.
    ∗ Sodium citrateis the anticoagulant ∗ Blood to liquid anticoagulant is 4:1 ∗ Specimen is whole blood ∗ Used for Westergren sedimentation rates ∗ Specially designed tubes BLACK TUBES
  • 40.
    ∗ Heparin isthe anticoagulant ∗ Specimen is plasma ∗ Chemistry tests ∗ Avoid anticoagulant interference with particular tests (Na, NH4, Li) ∗ Heparin interferes with differential staining GREEN TUBES
  • 41.
    ∗ Plasma separatortubes (PSTs) ∗ Lithium heparin is the anticoagulant ∗ Additive is separation gel ∗ Specimen is plasma ∗ Separates plasma from cells ∗ Ideal for potassium tests and other chemistry tests LIGHT GREEN/GREEN BLACK TUBES
  • 42.
    ∗ Potassium oxalateor Na2EDTA may be the anticoagulant ∗ Antiglycolytic agent, sodium fluoride, is the additive ∗ Specimen may be plasma or serum ∗ Used for glucose and blood alcohol levels ∗ Sodium fluoride interferes with some enzyme tests ∗ Potassium oxalate distorts RBC morphology GRAY TUBES
  • 43.
    ∗ Plain withclot activator, sodium heparin, or K2EDTA ∗ Specimen may be serum or plasma ∗ Specially formulated rubber stoppers ∗ Chemically clean tubes ∗ Used for trace elements, toxicology, and nutrients ROYAL BLUE TUBES
  • 44.
    ∗K2EDTA is theanticoagulant ∗Specimen in plasma ∗Contain less than 0.01 µg/mL lead ∗Used for lead testing TAN TUBES
  • 45.
    ∗Blood bank • Acidcitrate dextrose (ACD) ∗ Preserves red blood cells ∗Microbiology • Sodium polyanetholsulfonate (SPS) • Blood cultures ∗ Aids microorganism recovery YELLOW TUBES
  • 46.
    ∗Thrombin is theadditive ∗Specimen is serum ∗Used for STAT serum chemistry tests ORANGE/YELLOW GRAY TUBES
  • 47.
    GOLD/RED-GRAY (SST) TUBES ∗Additives ∗ Silica clot activator ∗ Thixotropic separation gel ∗ Specimen is serum ∗ Allow to clot for 30 minutes ∗ Used for chemistry tests ∗ Do not use for blood bank or some immunology/serology tests
  • 48.
    CENTRIFUGATION OF INCOMPLETELY CLOTTEDSST TUBES CAN PRODUCE A NONINTACT GEL BARRIER AND POSSIBLY CELLULAR CONTAMINATION OF SERUM.
  • 49.
    ∗Silica clot activatoris the additive ∗Specimen is serum ∗Used for serology, chemistry, and blood bank testing RED PLASTIC TUBES
  • 50.
    ∗ No anticoagulantsor additives ∗ Specimen is serum ∗ Allow to clot for 60 minutes ∗ Used for chemistry, serology, and blood bank testing RED GLASS TUBES
  • 51.
    ∗ No additivesor anticoagulants ∗ Used as a discard tube CLEAR/RED-LIGHT GRAY TUBES
  • 53.
    ∗Prevents specimen contamination by: •Tissue thromboplastin • Anticoagulants • Additives • Microorganisms ORDER OF DRAW
  • 54.
    ∗Tissue thromboplastin affecting coagulationtests ∗Transfer of EDTA to a tube for calcium testing ∗Transfer of Na citrate or K oxalate to a tube for electrolyte testing EXAMPLES
  • 56.
    CLSI-RECOMMENDED ORDER OF DRAW ∗Blood culture ∗ Light-blue ∗ Red/gray, gold, red plastic or glass ∗ Light green PST, green ∗ Lavender, pink, white ∗ Gray ∗ Yellow/gray, orange
  • 57.
    ∗Used for small,fragile veins ∗Suction pressure on vein can be controlled ∗Coordinate syringe size with volume of blood required SYRINGES
  • 58.
  • 59.
  • 60.
    ∗ CLSI recommendsthe same order of draw for both evacuated tube system and filling tubes from a syringe. CLSI-RECOMMENDED SYRINGE ORDER OF DRAW
  • 61.
    WINGED BLOOD COLLECTIONSETS ∗ IV fluid infusion ∗ Very small adult veins ∗ Pediatric specimens
  • 62.
  • 63.
  • 64.
    PUNCTURE GUARD WINGEDBLOOD COLLECTION SET
  • 65.
    COMBINATION SYSTEMS ∗ Bloodcollection tube and collection device are combined in one unit ∗ Blood collected by either evacuated tube or syringe technique ∗ Use regular needles or winged blood collection needles
  • 66.
  • 67.
    TYPES OF TOURNIQUETS ∗Flat latex strips ∗ Velcro/buckle closures ∗ Rubber tubing ∗ Blood pressure cuffs ∗ Disposable nonlatex strips
  • 68.
    ∗ Assists invein location ∗ Impedes venous but not arterial blood TOURNIQUET PURPOSE
  • 69.
    ∗ Venoscope II,Neonatal Transilluminator, and Transillumination Vein Locator ∗ Uses high-intensity LED lights ∗ Shines through patient’s subcutaneous tissue ∗ Absorbs light ∗ Highlights vein ∗ Vena-Vue–uses liquid crystal thermography ∗ Vein Entry Indicator Device (VEID)–sensor technology VEIN-LOCATING DEVICES
  • 70.
  • 71.
    GLOVES ∗ OSHA mandated ∗Latex versus nonlatex ∗ Powdered versus nonpowdered
  • 72.
    ANTISEPTICS ∗ 70% isopropylalcohol • Routine venipuncture ∗ Iodine/chlorhexidine gluconate • Blood cultures • Arterial punctures
  • 73.
    GAUZE/BANDAGES ∗ 2 x2 gauze pads • Apply pressure to puncture site ∗ Bandages/tape • Apply after bleeding stops • Remove within 1 hour • Latex-free ∗ Self-adhesive gauze
  • 74.
    ADDITIONAL SUPPLIES ∗ Pen ∗Biohazard bags ∗ Hand sanitizers
  • 75.
    ∗Needles • Disposable • Tightlysealed for sterility • Visual examination EQUIPMENT QUALITY CONTROL
  • 76.
    ∗Lot numbers ∗Expiration date •Ensures stability of: ∗ Vacuum ∗ Anticoagulants ∗ Additives EVACUATED TUBES QUALITY CONTROL
  • 77.
    ∗Short draws • Excessivedilution by liquid anticoagulant • Underfilled sodium citrate tubes cause a falsely lengthened aPTT result • Distortion of cellular structures • Underfilled EDTA tubes cause red blood cell shrinkage ∗Avoid manual filling of additive tubes POSSIBLE ERRORS