| A | B |
|---|
| Phlebotomy | The process of drawing blood for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. |
| Venipuncture | The puncture of a vein to obtain blood. |
| Capillary Puncture | Blood collection from small vessels, usually fingers or heel. |
| Tourniquet | Device used to restrict venous blood flow for easier vein location. |
| Vacutainer System | Blood collection system using needle, holder, and evacuated tubes. |
| Butterfly Needle (Winged Infusion Set) | Needle used for small or difficult veins. |
| Order of Draw | The correct sequence of tube collection to prevent cross-contamination. |
| Anticoagulant | Substance that prevents blood clotting (e.g., EDTA, heparin, citrate). |
| Serum | Fluid portion of blood after clotting. |
| Plasma | Fluid portion of blood with clotting factors intact. |
| Hemolysis | Destruction of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into serum/plasma. |
| Fasting Specimen | Blood sample collected after no food/drink (except water) for 8–12 hrs. |
| Basal State | Patient’s resting state after fasting overnight. |
| Postprandial | Blood test taken after eating |
| Gauge | Needle thickness; the higher the number, the smaller the needle. |
| Median Cubital Vein | Preferred vein for venipuncture in the antecubital fossa. |
| Evacuated Tube | Pre-filled vacuum tube used for collecting blood. |
| Additive | Substance placed inside tubes (clot activator, anticoagulant, gel separator). |
| Specimen Integrity | Maintaining the quality of the blood sample from collection to testing. |
| Chain of Custody | Documentation process for legal specimens (e.g., drug tests). |
| What is the preferred vein for venipuncture? | Median cubital vein. |
| What device is used to make veins more prominent during blood collection | Tourniquet. |
| What is the correct order of draw? | 1. Blood cultures, 2. Light blue (citrate), 3. Red/Gold (serum), 4. Green (heparin), 5. Lavender (EDTA), 6. Gray (fluoride). |
| What is hemolysis and why is it a problem? | Breakdown of red blood cells; can alter test results. |
| What type of blood is obtained from a capillary puncture? | Mixture of arterial, venous, and capillary blood. |
| What is the most common needle gauge for routine venipuncture? | 21 or 22 gauge. |
| What color tube is used for coagulation tests? | Light blue (sodium citrate). |
| What should a patient do before a fasting blood glucose test? | Avoid food and drink (except water) for 8–12 hours. |
| What additive is found in lavender tubes? | EDTA (anticoagulant). |
| Why is the order of draw important? | Prevents cross-contamination of additives that can affect test results. |
| Heart | Muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. |
| Atrium (Right & Left) | Upper chambers of the heart that receive blood. |
| Ventricle (Right & Left) | Lower chambers that pump blood out of the heart |
| Aorta | Largest artery; carries oxygenated blood from left ventricle to the body. |
| Vena Cava (Superior & Inferior) | Largest veins; return deoxygenated blood to the heart. |
| Pulmonary Arteries | Carry deoxygenated blood from right ventricle to lungs. |
| Pulmonary Veins | Carry oxygenated blood from lungs to left atrium. |
| Arteries | Vessels that carry blood away from the heart (usually oxygenated). |
| Veins | Vessels that carry blood toward the heart (usually deoxygenated). |
| Capillaries | Microscopic vessels where gas and nutrient exchange occurs. |
