|
Phlebotomy Pages |
|
|
|
|
Venipuncture Vocabulary Quiz Flash Cards
Phlebotomy Flash Card Study Directions:
Memorize the Language of Venipuncture!
ABG (ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS)
A test which analyses arterial blood for oxygen, carbon dioxide and
bicarbonate content in addition to blood pH. Used to test the effectiveness of respiration.
ANAEROBIC
Growing, living or occurring in the absence of molecular oxygen;
pertaining to an anaerobe. As in phlebotomy, the drawing of blood cultures for the purpose of possible
isolation and identification of anaerobic bacteria.
ANTECUBITAL
That part of the arm opposing the elbow.
ANTICOAGULANT
Anticoagulant solutions used for the preservation of stored whole blood
and blood fractions are acid citrate dextrose (ACD), citrate phosphate dextrose (CPD), citrate phosphate
dextrose adenine (cPDA 1) and heparin. Anticoagulants used to prevent clotting of blood specimens for
laboratory analysis are heparin and several substances that make calcium ions unavailable to the clotting
process, including EDTA (ethylenediamintetraacetic acid), citrate and oxalate.
ANTISEPTIC
Something that discourages the growth microorganisms. By contrast,
aseptic refers to the absence of microorganisms.
ARTERIAL BLOOD
Blood contained within the arteries and which carries oxygen from the
heart and lungs to outlying organs and tissues.
ASEPTIC
The absence of microorganisms. By contrast, something that just
discourages the growth of microorganisms is antiseptic.
ASPIRATE
The material that is withdrawn with a negative pressure apparatus
(syringe).
BASILIC VEIN
Large vein on the inner side of the biceps. Often chosen for intravenous
injections and blood drawing.
BETADINE
A popular trade name iodine-containing topical antiseptic agent;
povidone-iodine.
BLIND STICK
Performing a venipuncture with no apparently visible or palpable vein.
Though this technique is discouraged, it is occasionally necessary requiring a skilled phlebotomist who is
experienced and well versed in vascular anatomy.
BLOOD
The fluid in the body that contains red cells and white cells as well as
platelets, proteins, plasma and other elements. It is transported throughout the body by the Circulatory
System. Arterial blood is the means by which oxygen and nutrients are transported to tissues, venous blood
is the means by which carbon dioxide and metabolic by-products are transported for excretion.
BLOOD CELL
There are three main types of cell in the blood stream. The red cell,
which carries oxygen, the white cell, which fights infections and the platelet, which helps prevent
bleeding. The correct balance between each cell type must be maintained for the body to remain
healthy.
BLOOD CLOT
The conversion of blood from a liquid form to solid through the process
of coagulation. A thrombus is a clot which forms inside of a blood vessel. If that clot moves inside the
vessel it is referred to as an embolus (embolism).
BLOOD CULTURE
A test which involves the incubation of a blood specimen overnight to
determine if bacteria are present. Blood is collected in a special media which enhances the growth of both
aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN
Pathogens which are present in the blood stream and which may be passed
to others.
BUTTERFLY
A small needle with two plastic wings attached which are squeezed
together to form a tab that is used to manipulate the needle. A long 6-12" plastic tubing is attached
which again offers better manipulation. This assembly is then attached to a syringe or Vacutainer® holder
for the purpose of drawing a blood sample.
CENTRIFUGE
A laboratory apparatus that separates mixed samples into homogenous
component layers by spinning them at high speed.
CIRCULATION
The movement of fluid in a regular or circuitous course. Although the
noun "circulation" does not necessarily refer to the circulation of the blood, for all practical purposes
today it does. Heart failure is an example of a problem with the circulation.
CITRATE
A compound that is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs
cycle). Citrate chelates (binds) calcium ions, preventing blood clotting and, thus, is an effective
anticoagulant.
CITRATE PHOSPHATE DEXTROSE (CPD)
An anticoagulant.
CLOT
A semisolid mass of blood found inside or outside the body.
COAGULATE
The process of clot formation
COAGULATION FACTORS
Group of plasma protein substances (Factor I-XIII) contained in the
plasma, which act together to bring about blood coagulation.
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC)
The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (per
cubic millimeter) that are present in the patient’s sample of blood is determined. Also included is the
hematocrit (%), hemoglobin concentration (gm%) and the differential. Most common test done on the
blood.
CONTAMINATION
The soiling or pollution by inferior material, as by the introduction of
organisms into a wound.
COUMADIN
Trademark for the preparation of warfarin sodium
DIAPHORETIC
Formation of profuse perspiration (sweat). A symptom of
syncope.
DIFFERENTIAL
A count made on a stained blood smear of the proportion of the different
leukocytes (WBC's) and expressed as a percentage. A differential is a normal part of a complete blood
count (CBC).
ECCHYMOSIS
The skin discoloration caused by a bruise (contusion).
EDEMA
The swelling of soft tissues as a result of excess water accumulation.
It is often more prominent in the lower legs and feet toward the end of the day as a result of pooling of
fluid from the upright position maintained during the day. Development of collateral circulation will
result in a reduction of water accumulation.
EDTA
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate. A calcium chelating (binding) agent that is
used as an anticoagulant for laboratory blood specimens.
ELECTROLYTE
A substance that will acquire the capacity to conduct electricity when
put into solution. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and phosphate. Informally
called "lytes".
EMBOLUS
A sudden blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot or some other
obstruction which has been transported through blood vessels and lodged at a site too small for passage.
Examples of emboli are a detached blood clot, a clump of bacteria, or other foreign material, such as air.
Contrast to thrombus.
ERYTHROCYTE
Cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
FACTOR VIII
One of a number of coagulation factors. Classic hemophilia (hemophilia
A) is due to a congenital deficiency in the amount (or activity) of factor VIII. The gene for factor VIII
(that for classic hemophilia) is on the X chromosome so females can be silent carriers without symptoms
and males can be hemophiliacs.
FASTING
Without eating. A number of laboratory tests are performed on "fasting"
blood specimens such as sugar (glucose) levels. Specimens are usually taken after overnight
fasting.
FIBRIN
The protein formed during normal blood clotting that is the essence of
the clot.
FIBRINOGEN
The protein from which fibrin is formed/generated in normal blood
clotting.
FLASH-BACK
Relative to venipuncture, the appearance of a small amount of blood in
the neck of a syringe or the tubing of a butterfly. This is a sign that the vein has been properly
accessed.
GAUGE
Needle diameter is measured by gauge; the larger the needle diameter,
the smaller the gauge.
For example:
 21 gauge (yellow) used primarily for large antecubital veins
23 gauge (green) for smaller antecubitals, medium size forearm, hand and foot
veins
25 gauge (black) only for the smallest veins, usually in the forearm, hand and
foot
GERMICIDE
An agent that kills pathogenic microorganisms.
GLUCOSE
The sugar measured in blood and urine specimens to determine the
presence or absence of diabetes. Glucose is the end product of carbohydrate metabolism and is the chief
source of energy for all living organisms.
HEPARIN
An anticoagulant that acts to inhibit a number of coagulation factors,
especially factor Xa. Heparin is formed in the liver.
HEMATOCRIT
The ratio of the total red blood cell volume to the total blood volume
and expressed as a percentage.
HEMATOMA
A localized collection of blood within tissue due to leakage from the
wall of a blood vessel, producing a bluish discoloration (ecchymosis)and pain.
HEMOCONCENTRATION
A decrease in the fluid content of the blood (plasma), resulting in an
increase in concentration. This is determined by an increase in the hematocrit. Caused by a filtration of
plasma into body tissues and often created by dehydration.
HEMOGLOBIN
The oxygen carrying pigment of the red blood cells.
HEMOLYSE
The breaking of the red blood cells membrane releasing free hemoglobin
into the circulating blood. In phlebotomy, this is usually the result of mechanical damage due to poor
technique.
HEPARIN
An anticoagulant that acts to inhibit a number of coagulation factors,
especially factor Xa. Heparin is formed in the liver.
HYPODERMIC NEEDLE
A needle that attaches to a syringe for the purpose of injections or
withdrawal of fluids such as blood.
LPT
LPT are lipid/triglycerides.
LYMPHEDEMA
Lymphedema is a type of swelling which occurs in lymphatic tissue when
excess fluid collects in the arms or legs because the lymph nodes or vessels are blocked or removed.
Regarding phlebotomy, this can be a major complication of mastectomies.
MULTI-SAMPLE ADAPTER
A device used with a butterfly and Vacutainer® holder to allow for the
withdrawal of multiple tubes of blood during a venipuncture.
ORDER OF DELIVERY
A term used to define the order in which tubes should be filled with
blood after being drawn by syringe.
ORDER OF DRAW
Terminology used to define the order in which blood sample tubes should
be drawn using a multi-sample technique such as the Vacutainer® System.
OXYHEMOGLOBIN
Hemoglobin that has been bound with oxygen in the lungs for the purpose
of transport of oxygen to cells of the body. In the cells oxygen is exchanged for carbon
dioxide.
PALPATE
To examine or feel by the hand. In relation to venipuncture, this
technique is used to "feel" a vein which will tend to rebound when slight pressure is applied with the
finger. The technique is used to help determine the size, depth and direction of a vein. In relation to
arterial punctures, this technique is used to determine the position and depth of an artery (see
pulse)
PATHOGEN
Any microorganism that produces disease.
PATHOGENIC
Having the capability of producing disease.
PERIPHERAL BLOOD
Blood obtained from the circulation away from the heart, such as from
the fingertip, heel pad, earlobe or from an antecubital vein.
pH
The symbol used to depict the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution,
i.e. acidity. pH 7.0 is neutral; above 7.0 is alkaline, below is acid.
PIPET
A glass or transparent plastic tube used to accurately measure small
amounts of liquid.
PLASMA
The fluid portion of the blood in which the cellular components are
suspended. Plasma is different from serum!
PLATELETS
Also known as a thrombocyte, this is a particulate component of the
blood, approximately 2-4 microns in diameter and known for its involvement in blood coagulation. This
structure, which has no nucleus or DNA, is formed by breaking off from the cytoplasm of the parent cell,
known as a megakaryocyte in the bone marrow. Under normal conditions, platelets will aggregate at the site
of a break in vascular integrity, forming the beginning stages of a clot. Normal platelet counts range
from 150,000-450,000/cm³.
POVIDONE-IODINE
Used as a topical antiseptic, this is a compound made by reacting iodine
with povidone which slowly releases iodine. Same as Betadine .
RED BLOOD CELLS (RBC)
One of the solid components of the blood which is normally a biconcave
disc with no nucleus. This is the component of the blood that contains hemoglobin which is responsible for
oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. A red cell count is performed as part of a complete blood count and
ranges from 4,500,000-5,000,000 RBC's per cubic millimeter.
SCLEROSIS
A hardening; especially from inflammation and certain disease states.
Though sclerosis may occur in many areas of the body, the term is most often associated with blood
vessels.
SERUM
Referring to blood, the clear liquid portion of blood that separates out
after clotting has taken place. Since clotting has occurred, serum is fibrinogen deficient. Contrast to
plasma.
TG
Triglycerides (TG) are the most important of three groups of neutral
fats.
TOURNIQUET
In regards to venipuncture, a constrictive band, placed over an
extremity to distend veins for the purpose of blood aspiration or intravenous injections. Materials used
may be rubber, latex or other synthetic elastic material. A blood pressure cuff may also be
used.
VACUTAINER™
Vacutainer is a federally and internationally registered trademark owned
by BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) that is used in connection with a complete system of tubes, needles
and needle holders, sharps collectors, and safety devices in blood collection. The
Vacutainer™ evacuated tube, for example, automatically aspirates the correct amount of
blood into a tube. It is used instead of a syringe. Despite of the fact that BD owns the
Vacutainer™ trademark, the term has become so widely used to describe similar blood
collection tubes and devices, that it has become a generically used term.
VACUTAINER™ HOLDER
A cylindrical shaped holder that accepts a
Vacutainer™ tube on one end and a Vacutainer™ needle on the other.
The holder, tube and needle comprise the Vacutainer™ System, used to draw multiple
tubes of blood with one venipuncture.
VACUTAINER™ NEEDLE
The needle used to attach to a Vacutainer™ holder.
The needle has a male thread on one end which screws into the holder. The threaded end also has a large
gauge needle, enclosed by a rubber sheath. This needle will puncture the stopper of a
Vacutainer™ tube allowing blood to enter the tube. Upon withdrawal of this needle from
the tube, the rubber sheath covers the needle bevel, stopping the flow of blood. Thus, any number of tubes
may be drawn with only a single venipuncture.
VACUTAINER™ SYSTEM
The combination of a Vacutainer™ holder, needle and
sample tube which allows for a more automated method of drawing blood. When a multi-sample needle is used
the system will allow for the aspiration of any number of sample tubes with only one
venipuncture.
VACUTAINER™ TUBE
Blood sample tubes containing a vacuum. When the tube stopper is pierced
by a Vacutainer™ needle which has been properly positioned in a vein, the vacuum draws
blood into the tube.
VEIN
Blood vessels carrying blood to the heart. Blood contained within these
vessels is generally bound with carbon dioxide which will be exchanged for oxygen in the lungs. The
presence of carbon dioxide and the absence of oxygen accounts for the dark red appearance of the blood in
venous circulation. The only exception to this is the pulmonary vein which is the vein returning to the
heart from the lungs, this time with oxygenated blood (no carbon dioxide).
VENIPUNCTURE
The puncture of a vein for any purpose.
VENOUS
Pertaining to the veins, or blood passing through them.
VENOUS BLOOD
Blood contained within the veins.
WARFARIN SODIUM
The sodium salt of warfarin, one of the synthetic coumarin
anticoagulants. Coumadin
WHITE BLOOD CELL
Also leukocyte. A variety of cells within the blood and bone marrow
whose general purpose is to help in fighting infection. Each type is differentiated by use of a stained
preparation (see differential) and is separated based on how the cells and their components take up the
stain. The five general cells thus distinguished are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and
eosinophils all of which are nucleated cells.
WHITE CELL COUNT
The number of white blood cells (leukocytes) found in the peripheral
blood and measured per cubic millimeter. See also complete blood count.
WHOLE BLOOD
Blood from which none of the elements have been removed. It is usually
referred to as that blood, collected from a donor and anticoagulated for the purpose of blood
replenishment for a recipient.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Welcome |
 |
|
|
 |
| Navigation |
| Jobs |
|
|
| Free Flash Cards |
|
|
Download of our popular free phlebotomy flash cards |
|
| Tag Cloud |
|
|
|
