Phlebotomy Flash Cards

Plasma in the context of blood refers to the liquid component that carries various substances in the body.

Red blood cells (RBCs) are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. This is essential for the body's cells to function properly. Option a is incorrect because red blood cells are not involved in producing white blood cells. Option b is incorrect as red blood cells are not primarily responsible for waste filtration. Option c is incorrect because red blood cells transport oxygen, not carbon dioxide.

Platelets are responsible for gathering at sites of damage in blood vessels in order to initiate the blood-clotting process.

Whole-blood specimens refer to blood samples that have been treated with an anticoagulant to prevent clotting, allowing the blood to remain in a liquid state for various testing purposes.

The correct answer refers to a medical term related to blood components, specifically white blood cells and platelets, and their presence in centrifuged whole-blood specimens.

Serum is the liquid portion of blood that remains after clotting factors like fibrinogen have been removed. It does not contain cells or clotting factors.

Hemolytic disease of the newborn occurs when maternal anti-Rh antibodies attack the red blood cells of an Rh-positive fetus, leading to hemolysis. It is a condition that can develop when an Rh-negative mother has been sensitized to Rh-positive blood and can cause severe anemia in newborns.

Coagulation is the process by which liquid blood transforms into a semisolid clot, which is essential for wound healing and preventing excessive bleeding.

Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body where the exchange of gases such as oxygen and carbon dioxide occurs between the bloodstream and the tissues. They play a crucial role in facilitating nutrient and waste exchange at the cellular level.

A lumen in the context of the question refers to the interior space of a blood vessel where blood flows.

Veins are blood vessels responsible for carrying deoxygenated blood back to the heart, while arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart.

Kidney function tests typically involve blood tests to assess electrolyte levels, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. X-rays are not commonly used for this purpose, and urinalysis for protein levels and measuring blood pressure are not direct measures of kidney function.

Liver function tests involve analyzing blood components specifically related to liver health, such as bilirubin levels, ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and AST (aspartate aminotransferase). This provides valuable information about the liver's condition and function.

A lipid profile specifically focuses on assessing the levels of fats in the blood, such as cholesterol, LDL, and HDL, and is not related to sugar levels, thyroid function, or kidney function.

The correct answer includes an evacuated tube for blood collection, a tube holder to support the tube during the procedure, and a multi-sample venipuncture needle to puncture the vein for blood extraction.

In the context of needles, 'gauge' specifically refers to the lumen diameter of the needle, with higher gauge numbers indicating smaller needle diameters.

Anticoagulants are specifically designed to prevent blood from clotting by interfering with the clotting process.

Clot activators are additives that are specifically designed to speed up the clotting process in order to separate the serum from the blood components.

An antiglycolytic additive works by preventing the breakdown of blood glucose by blood cells, thus maintaining accurate blood glucose levels for testing purposes.

Dextrose is commonly used as an additive in medical products to nourish and preserve cells, making it crucial for various healthcare applications.

Gel separators in blood collection tubes help in separating the cells from the serum (or plasma) when the tube is centrifuged, ensuring clear separation for analysis.

When drawing blood samples, it is important to follow a specific order of draw to prevent cross-contamination and ensure accurate test results. Each tube has different additives and colors to indicate their specific use in laboratory testing.

A discard tube is used in phlebotomy to ensure that the blood sample collected is not contaminated by previous substances in the tube. It is filled and discarded before collecting the actual sample for testing.

Antiseptics are specifically used to prevent the growth of microorganisms on the skin without necessarily killing all bacteria. This helps to reduce the risk of infection in cuts, scrapes, and other wounds.

A sharps container is specifically designed to safely dispose of used needles and other sharp medical instruments to prevent accidental injury and contamination.

The correct order of collection by test priority is based on the urgency and specific requirements of the tests being conducted, with stat being the highest priority and routine being the lowest priority.

Implied consent is when a patient's actions or circumstances indicate consent for medical procedures, especially in emergency situations where immediate care is necessary. It differs from explicit consent, which is a clear verbal or written agreement given beforehand.

Fasting typically involves abstaining from food for a specific period of time, usually allowing water consumption. It is important to follow the specific fasting guidelines provided by healthcare professionals.

The basal state refers to the body's metabolic state when it is at rest and has not consumed any food for an extended period, typically overnight or for twelve hours. This state reflects the baseline metabolism of the body.

The median cubital vein is the preferred vein in the antecubital fossa due to its central location and visibility for venipuncture. The cephalic vein is located on the lateral side of the forearm and may not be as easily accessible. The basilic vein is located on the medial side of the forearm and may be more prone to rolling. The brachial vein is a deep vein located near the brachial artery and is not typically used for venipuncture in the antecubital fossa.