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Phlebotomist Analysis

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Complications Caused By Phlebotomists Gloves snapping, needles pricking, and blood gushing are often thought of when it is time to have one’s blood tested for various reasons. With a patient’s anxiety already running high, the slightest mishap can have a serious aftermath. If the venipuncture was painful or left horrible bruises, the patient may think of the procedure negatively in the future. More importantly, it is the Phlebotomist’s responsibility to obtain quality blood specimens to produce the most accurate laboratory results. (Garza, 2010) The School of Allied Health states, “It is widely accepted that the quality of a laboratory test is only as good as the specimen that was obtained.” (Allied Health, 2014) For this reason, a Phlebotomist …show more content…

Failure to thoroughly decontaminate the site can allow the naturally present microbiota of the patient’s skin to enter the bloodstream, causing an infection and possibly result with a disease. (Tortora, 2013) Additionally, test results can be falsely elevated or decreased if the site is not completely dry before needle insertion due to the body’s ability to metabolize alcohol into a form of sugar. (Garza, 2010) For example, test results for glucose levels would be falsely elevated if alcohol entered the bloodstream. Phlebotomists can also cause hemoconcentration by over palpitating the vein, excessive tourniquet application, and allowing the patients to overly pump their fist. (Morgan, 2005) These actions manipulate the vein’s chemistry and adversely affect the results of laboratory assays conducted. For instance, an increase of proteins, lipids, cholesterol, and Iron is evident of prolonged use of the tourniquet during blood collection. (Morgan, 2005) A Phlebotomist should always treat venipunctures safely and gently to ensure a quality …show more content…

After a suitable vein has been visualized and the venipuncture site thoroughly cleansed, the needle is then placed into the patient’s vein for blood collection. Difficulties can arise if a needle is not fully inserted or if it went entirely through the vein and a hematoma will be the result. (Morgan, 2005) Hematomas are bruises due to the collection of blood from veins or arteries in the surrounding tissues. (Garza, 2010) Sticking a fragile vein, excessive probing of the needle if the vein is initially missed, and failure to remove the tourniquet before removing the needle are some other ways a hematoma can develop during a venipuncture procedure. (Garza, 2010) When needles are incorrectly inserted into a vein, blood is allowed to escape, forming a bruise. (Garza, 2010) If at any time this should happen, the phlebotomist should immediately end the procedure by first removing the tourniquet, then the needle, and apply firm pressure to cease the blood flow. (Morgan, 2005) Improper needle placement can also cause neurological damage. With deep insertion of a needle, hitting the nerve behind the vein is likely. (Garza, 2010) Radiating or shooting pain and sometimes numbness has been reported by patients in these situations. (Garza, 2010) Phlebotomist should always insert needles with care to avoid any injury to the

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