Definition:<\/strong> Infection control measures used to prevent transmission of pathogens that remain infectious over long distances when suspended in the air (droplet nuclei smaller than 5 microns).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> When drawing blood from a patient with tuberculosis, the phlebotomist must follow airborne precautions, including wearing an N95 respirator mask and ensuring the patient is in a negative pressure room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> A substance that prevents blood from clotting by interfering with the coagulation cascade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The phlebotomist selected a lavender-top tube containing EDTA anticoagulant for the complete blood count, as this prevents clotting while preserving cell morphology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Any biological substance that poses a threat to human health, including blood, body fluids, tissues, and materials contaminated with potentially infectious agents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> All used needles and blood-contaminated materials must be disposed of in the red biohazard sharps container to prevent accidental exposure and disease transmission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Laboratory tests performed on blood samples to detect the presence of bacteria, fungi, or other microorganisms in the bloodstream (septicemia or bacteremia).<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Blood cultures are always drawn first in the order of draw to minimize contamination risk, using sterile technique and yellow-top ACD tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Federal regulatory standards that apply to all clinical laboratory testing performed on humans in the United States, ensuring quality, accuracy, and reliability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Our laboratory maintains strict CLIA compliance by following all regulations for personnel qualifications, quality control, and proficiency testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The state of blood that has clotted, forming a gel-like mass due to the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The specimen was rejected because the blood had coagulated in the tube, making it unsuitable for testing that requires liquid serum or plasma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Infection control measures used to prevent transmission of pathogens spread by direct or indirect contact with the patient or their environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> When drawing blood from a patient with MRSA, the phlebotomist must implement contact precautions by wearing gloves and a gown before entering the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The calendar date on which a patient was born, used as a critical identifier in patient identification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Before performing the venipuncture, the phlebotomist verified the patient\u2019s identity by asking them to state their full name and date of birth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Infection control measures used to prevent transmission of pathogens spread through large respiratory droplets (larger than 5 microns) generated during coughing, sneezing, or talking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The phlebotomist donned a surgical mask before entering the room of a patient with influenza, following droplet precautions protocol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> An anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by binding (chelating) calcium ions, commonly found in lavender-top and pink-top tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> EDTA tubes with lavender tops are used for hematology testing because they preserve blood cell morphology while preventing coagulation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The rupture or destruction of red blood cells, releasing hemoglobin into the surrounding fluid, causing serum or plasma to appear pink to red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The specimen showed hemolysis due to the small needle gauge and excessive suction during collection, requiring the phlebotomist to redraw the sample.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> An anticoagulant that prevents blood clotting by inactivating thrombin and other clotting factors, commonly found in green-top tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Green-top tubes containing heparin are used for plasma chemistry tests and stat electrolyte panels because heparin works rapidly to prevent clotting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> A yellowish discoloration of serum or plasma caused by elevated bilirubin levels, also known as jaundice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The laboratory noted icterus in the patient\u2019s serum sample, which appeared yellow in color and indicated possible liver dysfunction or hemolytic disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> A form or electronic order that contains essential patient information and specifies which laboratory tests should be performed on collected specimens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The laboratory requisition included the patient\u2019s name, medical record number, date of birth, ordering physician, and the specific tests requested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> A blood collection tube containing sodium citrate anticoagulant, used primarily for coagulation studies and positioned second in the order of draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> For the PT\/INR test, the phlebotomist collected blood in a light blue top tube, ensuring it was filled to the proper level for accurate coagulation testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The presence of excess fats or lipids in the serum or plasma, giving the specimen a milky or turbid appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The patient\u2019s specimen showed lipemia because they had not fasted before the blood draw, requiring either specimen rejection or notation of the lipemic condition on the results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> A unique identifier assigned to each patient within a healthcare facility\u2019s record system, used to accurately match specimens and results to the correct patient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Along with the patient\u2019s name and date of birth, the phlebotomist verified the medical record number on the requisition matched the patient\u2019s wristband before proceeding with the blood draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The specific sequence in which blood collection tubes should be filled during venipuncture to prevent cross-contamination of additives between tubes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Following the correct order of draw\u2014starting with blood cultures, then light blue, red, gold SST, green, lavender, and finally gray\u2014ensures accurate test results by preventing additive carryover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The critical first step in the phlebotomy process involving verification of the patient\u2019s identity using at least two unique identifiers before specimen collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Patient identification is the phlebotomist\u2019s most important first action, requiring verbal confirmation of the patient\u2019s full name and date of birth, and verification against the wristband and requisition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> A healthcare professional trained to collect blood specimens from patients through venipuncture, capillary puncture, or arterial puncture for laboratory testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The phlebotomist is critically important in healthcare because they are responsible for proper patient identification, quality specimen collection, and accurate labeling\u2014all essential for correct diagnosis and treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The liquid portion of blood obtained when an anticoagulant is added to prevent clotting; it contains water, proteins, electrolytes, nutrients, and clotting factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> To obtain plasma for the chemistry panel, the phlebotomist collected blood in a green-top heparin tube and centrifuged it to separate the liquid plasma from the cellular components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Mistakes that occur before laboratory analysis, including errors in patient preparation, specimen collection, handling, labeling, or transportation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Common preanalytical errors include improper patient identification, incorrect order of draw, insufficient mixing of tubes, and delays in specimen processing\u2014all of which can compromise test accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> A blood collection tube without additives or with a clot activator, used to obtain serum for various chemistry and immunology tests; positioned third in the order of draw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The phlebotomist selected a red top tube for the serology testing, allowing the blood to clot naturally before centrifugation to obtain serum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The liquid portion of blood obtained after blood has clotted and the clot has been removed; it contains no clotting factors or cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Serum is collected in red-top or gold-top SST tubes and is used for most chemistry tests, hormone levels, and antibody detection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> A blood collection tube with a gold or tiger-striped top containing a clot activator and a polymer gel barrier that separates serum from cells during centrifugation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The SST tube, positioned fourth in the order of draw, is ideal for chemistry tests because the gel barrier prevents cellular contamination of the serum after centrifugation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Infection control practices used with all patients, regardless of diagnosis, treating all blood and body fluids as potentially infectious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The phlebotomist applies standard precautions with every patient by wearing gloves, using hand hygiene, and handling all specimens and contaminated materials as if they were infectious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The classification system for infection control that includes contact precautions, droplet precautions, and airborne precautions, each targeting specific transmission routes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Understanding the three categories of patient isolation helps phlebotomists select appropriate personal protective equipment based on the patient\u2019s infectious disease status.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The laboratory testing process divided into preanalytical (before testing), analytical (during testing), and postanalytical (after testing) phases, with different complexity levels defined by CLIA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Phlebotomists work primarily in the preanalytical phase, where proper specimen collection and handling are critical to ensure accuracy in the subsequent analytical and postanalytical phases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> An enzyme in the coagulation cascade that converts fibrinogen to fibrin, essential for blood clot formation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Heparin anticoagulant works by inactivating thrombin, thereby preventing the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and stopping the clotting process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> The recommended timeframe for delivering specimens to the laboratory after collection to ensure specimen integrity and accurate test results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Following the thirty-minute rule, the phlebotomist immediately transported the specimens to the lab to prevent hemolysis, glycolysis, and other time-dependent changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Blood or body fluid samples that do not meet quality standards for testing due to issues such as hemolysis, insufficient quantity, clotting, mislabeling, or improper collection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The laboratory rejected the specimen as an unacceptable specimen type because it was collected in the wrong tube, inadequately labeled, and showed visible hemolysis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Blood in its natural state containing all cellular components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) suspended in plasma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> Whole blood collected in EDTA tubes is used for complete blood counts, as the test requires analysis of all blood cell types in their original proportions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Fires involving ordinary combustible materials such as paper, wood, cloth, and plastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> A Class A fire extinguisher containing water or foam should be available in the phlebotomy office area where paper requisitions and supplies are stored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Fires involving flammable liquids such as alcohol, gasoline, oil, and grease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The phlebotomy station keeps a Class B fire extinguisher nearby because alcohol-based hand sanitizers and cleaning solutions are considered flammable liquids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Fires involving energized electrical equipment such as computers, monitors, centrifuges, and other electrical devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> When the centrifuge began smoking, the phlebotomist used a Class C fire extinguisher because water-based extinguishers should never be used on electrical fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Fires involving combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> While Class D fires are rare in phlebotomy settings, laboratories that handle reactive metals must have specialized extinguishing agents available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Definition:<\/strong> Fires involving cooking oils, fats, and greases typically found in kitchen facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Context:<\/strong> The hospital cafeteria near the laboratory is equipped with Class K fire extinguishers specifically designed for grease fires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Position:<\/strong> First in order of draw Position:<\/strong> Second in order of draw Position:<\/strong> Third in order of draw Position:<\/strong> Fourth in order of draw Position:<\/strong> Fifth in order of draw Position:<\/strong> Sixth in order of draw Position:<\/strong> Seventh (last) in order of draw Study Tip:<\/strong> Remember the order of draw with the mnemonic: End of Dictionary<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Phlebotomy Medical Dictionary MLT 410 & 411 \u2013 Weeks 4-5 A Airborne Precautions Definition: Infection control measures used to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_aft_read_time":["11"],"_edit_lock":["1770169659:1"],"_edit_last":["1"],"morenews-meta-content-alignment":["align-content-left"],"morenews-meta-content-mode":["single-content-mode-default"]},"categories":[14],"tags":[16,15],"class_list":["post-64","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-weeks-4-and-5","tag-phlebotomy-dictionary","tag-weeks-4-and-5"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=64"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":65,"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/64\/revisions\/65"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=64"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=64"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vesl.us\/phlebotomy\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=64"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Anticoagulant<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nB<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Biohazard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Blood Cultures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nC<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
CLIA (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Coagulated<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Contact Precautions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nD<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
DOB (Date of Birth)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Droplet Precautions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
EDTA (Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nH<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Hemolysis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Heparin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nI<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Icterus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nL<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Laboratory Requisition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Light Blue Top Tube<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lipemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nM<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Medical Record Number (MRN)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nO<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Order of Draw<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nP<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Patient Identification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Phlebotomist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Plasma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preanalytical Errors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Red Top Tube<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Serum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
SST (Serum Separator Tube)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Standard Precautions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nT<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Three Categories of Patient Isolation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Three Phases and Levels of Testing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thrombin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Thirty-Minute Rule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nU<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Unacceptable Specimen Types<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Whole Blood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nClasses of Fire<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Class A Fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Class B Fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Class C Fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Class D Fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Class K Fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nColor-Coded Tube Reference<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Yellow Top (Sterile)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Use:<\/strong> Blood cultures or ACD (acid citrate dextrose)
Purpose:<\/strong> Sterile collection to detect microorganisms in blood<\/p>\n\n\n\nLight Blue Top<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additive:<\/strong> Sodium citrate
Use:<\/strong> Coagulation studies (PT, PTT, INR)<\/p>\n\n\n\nRed Top<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additive:<\/strong> None or clot activator only
Use:<\/strong> Serum chemistry, immunology, serology<\/p>\n\n\n\nGold\/Tiger Top (SST)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additive:<\/strong> Clot activator and polymer gel
Use:<\/strong> Serum chemistry tests<\/p>\n\n\n\nGreen Top<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additive:<\/strong> Heparin (sodium, lithium, or ammonium)
Use:<\/strong> Plasma chemistry, stat tests<\/p>\n\n\n\nLavender\/Pink Top<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additive:<\/strong> EDTA
Use:<\/strong> Hematology (CBC, blood bank)<\/p>\n\n\n\nGray Top<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Additive:<\/strong> Potassium oxalate\/sodium fluoride
Use:<\/strong> Glucose testing, alcohol levels<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n
\u201cBlood Lovers Like Red Gold Lights Gray\u201d<\/strong>
(Blood cultures, Light blue, Red, Gold, Lights\/Lavender, Gray)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n