Phlebotomy Handbook Chapter 15

Central Intravenous Line

Central venous catheter. Usually inserted into the subclavian vein, the jugular vein, or the superior vena cava.

Glucose Tolerance Test

Diagnostic test for detecting diabetes. Test is performed by obtaining blood and urine specimens at timed intervals after fasting, then after ingesting glucose.

Trace Metals

Elements such aluminum or lead that may be present in the blood. Specially prepared blood collection tubes are required during phlebotomy so they are free of metals that may cause interference with the testing process.

Septicemia

Formally called "blood poisoning", the term now means the presence of toxins or multiplying bacteria in the blood.

Fevers of Unknown Origin (FUO)

Indicates the patient has an undiagnosed infection, which usually results in ordering blood cultures.

Femoral Artery

Located in the groin area of the leg and lateral to the femur bone, it is the largest artery used as an alternative site for ABG collections. Phlebotomists require special training to draw from this site.

Radial Artery

Located on the thumb side of the wrist, this artery is most commonly used to collect blood specimens for arterial blood gases.

Bacteremia

Presence of bacteria in the blood; an infection of the blood.

Therapeutic Phlebotomy

Removal of blood for therapeutic reasons.

Blood Cultures

Tests that aid in identifying the specific bacterial organism causing infections in the blood.

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)

Type of vascular access device inserted into the peripheral venous system with a lead into the central venous system. A PICC is usually placed in the arm in the basilic or cephalic vein. PICC should not be used for blood collections because it may collapse during aspiration of the blood.

Intravenous Catheter

Vascular access device inserted into a blood vessel for administration of medications , nutrients and blood collection.

Hyperventilation

A condition whereby chemo-receptors in the brain cause a faster and deeper rate of respiration in order to blow off excess carbon dioxide.

Postprandial Glucose Test

A glucose test performed after ingestion of a meal; useful for screening patients for diabetes.

Autologous Transfusion

A patient donates his/her own blood or blood components for use later; this is the safest type of transfusion. It prevents transfusion-transmitted infectious diseases and eliminates the formation of antibodies from other donors.

Modified Allen Test

A procedure used prior to drawing specimens (for ABGs) from the radial artery. It assures that the ulnar and radial arteries are providing collateral circulation to the hand area. Basically, it entails compressing the arteries to the hand and emptying the hand of arterial blood, then releasing the compression to see if the circulation is immediately restored. A negative test would indicate that collateral circulation is not sufficient and an alternative artery should be used for ABG collections.

Lactose Tolerance Test

A test to determine lactose intolerance. Some individuals have difficulty digesting lactose, a milk sugar.

Cannula

A tube that can be inserted into a cavity or blood vessel and used as a channel for transporting fluids. Commonly used in dialysis for patients with kidney disease. Specialized training and experience are required to draw blood from a cannula.

Vascular Access Devices (VADs)

A variety of specially designed devices to allow entrance into a vein or artery.

Sodium Polyanethole Sulfonate (SPS)

An additive typically used in culture bottles to prevent clotting.

Brachial Artery

An artery located in the cubital fossa of the arm and used as an alternative site for ABG collections. Phlebotomists must be specially trained to perform collections from this site.

Fistula

An artificial shunt or passage, commonly used in the arm of a patient undergoing kidney dialysis; the vein and artery are fused through a surgical procedure. Only specially trained personnel can collect blood from a fistula.

Arterial Blood Gases (ABGs)

Analytical test that measures oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Provides useful info about respiratory status and the acid-base balance of patients with pulmonary disorders.