Chapter 7 Test Study Guide: Blood
Collection, Equipment, Additives,
and Order of Draw
Antiseptics
Are substances used to prevent sepsis, which is the presence of
microorganisms or their toxic products within the bloodstream
Antiseptics prevent or inhibit the growth and development of
microorganisms but do not necessarily kill them
The antiseptics most commonly used for routine blood collection is
70% isopropyl alcohol in individually wrapped prep pads
Key Point
Cleaning with antiseptic reduces the number of microorganisms but
does not sterilize the site
Sterilization kills or removes all living organisms and spores from
objects
Disinfectants
Are chemical substances or solutions regulated by the Environment
Protection Agency (EPA) that are used to remove or kill
microorganisms on surfaces and instruments
According to the CDC/HICPAC use of EPA-registered sodium
hypochlorite or chemical germicide products is preferred but solutions
made from generic 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) may
also be used
Key Point
A chemical that kills or inhibits the growth of living organisms is called
a biocide
The active ingredients in both antiseptics and disinfectants are
biocides
Examples of Antiseptics Used in Blood Collection
70% ethyl alcohol
70% isopropyl alcohol
Chlorhexidine gluconate (used for blood cultures)
, Tourniquet
Restriction of blood flow can change blood composition if the
tourniquet is left in place for more than 1 minute
Needles
Phlebotomy needles are sterile, disposable, and designed for single
use only
The end that pierces the vein is called the bevel because it is cut on a
slant
The internal space of the needle is called the lumen
Gauge
Needle gauge is indicated by a number that is related to the diameter
of the lumen
A needle diameter and gauge have an inverse (opposite) relationship
- The higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter of the
needle
Common Venipuncture Needle Gauges with Needle Type
and Typical Use
Gauge: 23
Needle Type: Blood collection set
Typical Use: used on the veins of infants and children and on difficult
or hand veins of adults
Evacuated Tube System
The most common, efficient, and CLSI-preferred system for collecting
blood samples
This system allows numerous tubes to be collected with a single
venipuncture
Multisample needle
Are called ETS needles
They allow multiple tubes of blood to be collected during a single
venipuncture
Collection, Equipment, Additives,
and Order of Draw
Antiseptics
Are substances used to prevent sepsis, which is the presence of
microorganisms or their toxic products within the bloodstream
Antiseptics prevent or inhibit the growth and development of
microorganisms but do not necessarily kill them
The antiseptics most commonly used for routine blood collection is
70% isopropyl alcohol in individually wrapped prep pads
Key Point
Cleaning with antiseptic reduces the number of microorganisms but
does not sterilize the site
Sterilization kills or removes all living organisms and spores from
objects
Disinfectants
Are chemical substances or solutions regulated by the Environment
Protection Agency (EPA) that are used to remove or kill
microorganisms on surfaces and instruments
According to the CDC/HICPAC use of EPA-registered sodium
hypochlorite or chemical germicide products is preferred but solutions
made from generic 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (household bleach) may
also be used
Key Point
A chemical that kills or inhibits the growth of living organisms is called
a biocide
The active ingredients in both antiseptics and disinfectants are
biocides
Examples of Antiseptics Used in Blood Collection
70% ethyl alcohol
70% isopropyl alcohol
Chlorhexidine gluconate (used for blood cultures)
, Tourniquet
Restriction of blood flow can change blood composition if the
tourniquet is left in place for more than 1 minute
Needles
Phlebotomy needles are sterile, disposable, and designed for single
use only
The end that pierces the vein is called the bevel because it is cut on a
slant
The internal space of the needle is called the lumen
Gauge
Needle gauge is indicated by a number that is related to the diameter
of the lumen
A needle diameter and gauge have an inverse (opposite) relationship
- The higher the gauge number, the smaller the diameter of the
needle
Common Venipuncture Needle Gauges with Needle Type
and Typical Use
Gauge: 23
Needle Type: Blood collection set
Typical Use: used on the veins of infants and children and on difficult
or hand veins of adults
Evacuated Tube System
The most common, efficient, and CLSI-preferred system for collecting
blood samples
This system allows numerous tubes to be collected with a single
venipuncture
Multisample needle
Are called ETS needles
They allow multiple tubes of blood to be collected during a single
venipuncture
