Phlebotomy

• What is another term for venipuncture?

  Drawing of blood
• What is the purpose of venipuncture?

  To obtain a blood sample from a vein
• What is capillary puncture used for?

  Collection of minute blood samples
• What is arterial puncture used for?

  Blood gas analysis
• What is the sample volume limitation in capillary puncture?

  Sample volume is limited
• How much blood should be collected from infants under 6 months?

  At least 0.5 mL
• When is skin puncture preferred for adults?

  When veins are difficult to access
• What is the depth of puncture for infants under 1 year?

  2.4 mm
• What is the depth of puncture for older children?

  3.1 mm
• Why should certain areas be avoided for puncture?

  They may have reduced blood circulation
• What color is arterial blood?

  Bright red
• What is the purpose of the Modified Allen test?

  To check adequate blood perfusion
• What anticoagulant is used in arterial blood collection?

  0.05 mL liquid heparin
• What color is venous blood?

  Darker color
• What is the standard gauge for venipuncture?

  Gauge 21
• What does a lower gauge number indicate?

  A bigger bore of the needle
• What gauge is used for children in winged infusion?

  Gauge 23
• What is the purpose of the evacuated tube system?

  To collect a greater volume of blood
• What is the best choice for venipuncture in adults?

  Median cubital vein
• What should be avoided in venipuncture sites?

  Areas with edema or hematoma
• What are the immediate local complications of venipuncture?

  Hematoma and circulatory failure
• What is thrombophlebitis?

  Inflammation of the vein with clot
• What are delayed general complications of venipuncture?

  HIV and hepatitis
• What are the methods of performing venipuncture?

  1. Open system

  • Use of syringes
  • Color-coded needle hub

  1. Closed system

  • Use of evacuated system
  • Multiple sampling possible
• What are the risks associated with venipuncture in certain patients?

  1. Poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus
  2. Hemoglobinopathies
  3. Thrombotic disorders
• What are the sites for venipuncture in different age groups?

  • Newborn to 18 months: external jugular vein
  • 18 months to 3 years: popliteal vein
  • 3 years to adulthood: antecubital fossa