| A | B |
|---|
| hematoma formation | most common complication of venipuncture |
| inadvertent arterial puncture | usually in area of basilic vein, blood is bright cherry red |
| 15 minutes | amount of time to hold pressure after arterial puncture |
| infection | do not touch site after it has been cleansed |
| nerve injury | can result from improper vein selection and fishing too much |
| reflux of anticoagulant | contents of tube are in contact with needle during collection |
| vein damage | due to many venipunctures in same area over time |
| tourniquet on too long | causes venous stasis and fluid content of blood decreases |
| decreased fluid content in blood | hemoconcentration |
| hemolysis | due to procedural error that damages RBCs |
| partially filled tubes | may alter blood -to-additive ratio and alter test results |
| specimen contamination | usually due to improper technique or carelessness |
| tube position, vacuum, needle position, collapsed vein | reasons for a failed venipuncture |
