Phlebotomy: Understanding Analytical Errors, Complications, and Techniques Quiz

Analytical errors before sample collection can impact the accuracy and reliability of test results, affecting patient care and treatment decisions. It is essential to prevent these errors through proper identification, timing, and preparation of samples.

Analytical errors after collection can significantly impact the accuracy of test results. It is important to address these common errors in order to ensure reliable laboratory testing.

A hematoma is a common complication of phlebotomy where blood accumulates in the tissue surrounding the vein, not an infection, abnormal growth, or a bone fracture.

Thrombophlebitis specifically refers to the inflammation of a vein accompanied by the formation of a clot, which can potentially lead to serious health complications.

Septicemia is a serious medical condition where bacteria or other infectious agents have entered the bloodstream, causing a widespread infection. It is not related to skin rashes, neurological disorders, or liver inflammation.

Individuals with latex sensitivity should wear a medical alert bracelet to alert medical personnel of their condition in case of an emergency.

Special venipunctures refer to blood collection procedures that require specific timing or conditions. These include various tests such as OGTT, arterial blood gas, and therapeutic drug monitoring. Routine blood draw, electrolyte panel, and complete blood count are typically not considered special venipunctures as they are more commonly ordered tests without specific requirements for collection.

The correct answer provides the necessary information regarding the requirements for fasting specimens, emphasizing the importance of patient fasting for accurate results.

The correct answer explains that the Postprandial Test refers to testing blood sugar levels after eating a meal. The incorrect answers provided offer alternative scenarios that do not align with the definition of a Postprandial Test.

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is specifically used to diagnose diabetes mellitus and evaluate patients with frequent low blood sugar. It is not used for assessing cholesterol levels, diagnosing the flu, or evaluating lung function.

Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) samples are usually drawn from the Radial Artery, must be analyzed within 15 minutes, and are crucial in determining blood gas levels and pH. Incorrect answers provide false information to highlight the importance of accuracy and procedure when dealing with ABG samples.

The incorrect answers do not provide suitable sites for infant microcapillary collection as the heel is typically used for this purpose.

Paris is the capital city of France, not Berlin, Madrid, or Rome.

Analytical errors during sample collection can lead to inaccurate test results, compromising patient care. It is important to be aware of common errors to ensure proper collection and handling of samples.

Hemoconcentration is the increase in proportion of formed elements to plasma and is typically caused by factors such as dehydration or leaving a tourniquet on too long. It is not related to a decrease in formed elements, increase in plasma, or decrease in red blood cell count due to bleeding.

Petechiae are specifically defined as tiny non-raised red spots that result from capillary rupture, commonly caused by prolonged tourniquet use. The incorrect answers provided do not accurately describe petechiae.

Dermal puncture can be performed on both pediatric and adult patients when venipuncture is not advisable. Some laboratory tests, such as ESR, coagulation studies, blood cultures, may not be suitable for dermal puncture. The depth of the lancet used for dermal puncture can vary depending on the patient's age, ranging from 0.85mm for infants to 3.0mm for adults.

The correct order of draw for capillary specimens is important to avoid sample contamination or improper test results. It ensures that the blood collected in each tube is not affected by the previous tube's additives or anticoagulants.

Trauma refers to physical damage to tissues caused by external factors. In the context of medical procedures, trauma can occur when tissues are injured by the probing of a needle or other medical instrument. While infection, bleeding, and nerve damage are also potential complications of medical procedures, trauma specifically refers to tissue injury.

The correct answer is that the depth of heel punctures for infants should not exceed 2.0 mm to ensure proper blood sampling without causing excessive pain or tissue damage.