NCCT NCPT key terms

The shallow triangular area on the inner side of the elbow where the median cubital, cephalic, and basilic veins lie near the surface and are most often used for venipuncture.

The vein that crosses the middle of the antecubital fossa and connects the cephalic and basilic veins; it is the preferred first-choice site because it is large, well anchored, and less painful to puncture.

A vein running along the thumb side of the arm and forearm that is often prominent and usable for blood collection when antecubital veins are unsuitable.

A vein on the pinky side of the arm that is larger but less firmly anchored and lies close to the brachial artery and a nerve, so puncturing it carries a higher risk of injury.

Using the fingertips to feel a vein's location, width, depth, and bounce before puncture; a vein that feels firm and springy is usually a good candidate for collection.

A strap applied a few inches above the puncture site to slow venous return and make veins fill and stand out; it should be released within about one minute to avoid hemoconcentration.

A rise in the concentration of cells and large molecules in the blood that occurs when a tourniquet stays on too long or the sample is otherwise stagnant, which can distort test results.

Collection of a small blood drop by pricking the skin, usually on a fingertip or heel, used when only tiny volumes are needed or venipuncture is not appropriate.

A small sterile blade or needle used to make a controlled skin puncture for capillary blood collection; depth is chosen to reach the capillary bed without hitting bone.

A small plastic tube, often with a tapered end, that collects a small volume of capillary blood and may contain a measured amount of additive for specific tests.

The required sequence for filling blood tubes so that additives from one tube do not carry over and contaminate the next, helping ensure accurate test results.

A substance placed inside a collection tube, such as an anticoagulant, clot activator, or preservative, that prepares the blood for a specific type of laboratory analysis.

A chemical additive such as EDTA, heparin, or sodium citrate that prevents blood from clotting so plasma or whole blood can be analyzed.

A tube containing a clot activator and a gel barrier that, after centrifugation, separates serum above the gel from cells below for chemistry testing.

Transfer of an additive or contaminant from one tube to another, typically through a needle or tube stopper, which can alter test results if the order of draw is not followed.

Spinning a specimen at controlled speed to separate blood into layers such as serum or plasma and cells, usually within a set time after collection.

Rupture of red blood cells that releases hemoglobin into the specimen, often caused by rough handling, small needles, or vigorous mixing, and can invalidate many test results.

Refusal of a sample by the laboratory because it is mislabeled, hemolyzed, clotted, insufficient, or improperly stored, requiring a new collection.

A documented record of every person who handles a specimen from collection to testing, used for legal, forensic, or drug-testing samples to prove integrity was maintained.

Infection-control practices applied to all patients, including hand hygiene and use of gloves, gown, mask, or eye protection when contact with blood or body fluids is possible.

Barrier items such as gloves, gowns, masks, and eye shields worn to protect the phlebotomist from exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other hazards.

A puncture-resistant, labeled container used to immediately dispose of used needles and other sharp items so no one is injured by contaminated devices.

Replacing a needle cover after use; it is discouraged because of needlestick risk and, when unavoidable, must be done with a one-handed technique or safety device.

A built-in shield or retracting mechanism on an evacuated blood collection needle or butterfly set that covers the point after use to prevent accidental needlesticks.

An employer's written program describing how workers are protected from bloodborne pathogens, including training, vaccination offers, and steps to follow after an exposure incident.

A patient's agreement to a procedure after being told its purpose, what it involves, and any risks; the patient may decline or withdraw consent at any time.

The duty to keep a patient's health information private and share it only with those who need it for care, legally permitted purposes, or with the patient's authorization.

Individually identifiable health data, such as name, birth date, test results, or medical record number, that is legally safeguarded and must not be disclosed improperly.

Purposeful, respectful conversation that builds trust, explains what will happen, and addresses a patient's concerns, including fear of needles or fainting.

Fainting or near-fainting caused by a sudden drop in heart rate and blood pressure, often triggered by the sight of blood or needle anxiety; the patient should be reclined and monitored.

Placing the patient safely for collection, such as seated with an arm support or lying down, to reduce the chance of injury or fainting during or after the draw.

A closed collection method in which a double-pointed needle and holder are used so that vacuum inside the tube draws a measured volume of blood.

A small-gauge needle attached to flexible tubing with wings, used for fragile or small veins and for scalp veins in infants, allowing gentle control of the angle.

The number that describes needle bore size; a larger gauge number means a thinner needle, so 23-gauge is smaller than 21-gauge.

A double-ended needle with a puncture point for the vein and a second point that enters the tube stopper, allowing several tubes to be filled from one venipuncture.

A plastic sleeve that secures the multiple-sample needle and guides collection tubes onto the needle's inner point during an evacuated tube draw.

Applying patient identifiers and collection details to a specimen at the bedside immediately after collection, following facility policy so the sample can be traced to the correct person.

The practice of confirming identity using two independent items, such as full name and date of birth, before collection to prevent misidentification and wrong-patient results.

Choosing the best vein for puncture by considering size, firmness, location, and the patient's health history, avoiding areas with injury, scarring, or an IV line.