Articles by Shahbaz Ahmed on ArticleSnatch.com

Every phlebotomist should exercise certain consistent precautions on a routine basis

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400

As per the guidelines from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) several disease-specific precautionary policies for patients known to be or suspected of being infected with certain pathogens are recommended to be followed by phlebotomists. Universal standard precautions assume that all specimens are potentially infectious and should be handled accordingly.Every direct contact with body fluid is infectious is the assumption in the Standard precautions. To prevent cross-transmission and exposure of the skin and mucous membranes to infectious microbes, avoid direct contact with patient specimens, and when contact is anticipated appropriate barrier precautions should be used " this is the essential element of standard precautions. Every phlebotomist should exercise certain consistent precautions on a routine basis. These standard precautions recognize the infectious potential of any patient specimen and prevent cross-transmission of infectious disease to patients and the protect laboratory personnel from infected patients. Potential exposure to HBV is prevented by recommended use of a licensed inactivated vaccine (HB). As a precautionary step for persons who are at a greater risk for Hepatitis B infection i.e. clinical laboratory workers, phlebotomists, and pathologists, use of this vaccine is recommended by CDCs advisory committee on immunization practices. **End Summary** Topics: phlebotomy]]> ]]> venepuncture]]> ]]> cannulation]]> ]]> health]]> ]]> dieases]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> London, UK: Maxis Healthcare Limited run professional 1 Day Fasttrack Phlebotomy Training Courses. Learn How to become a phlebotomist And Get Phlebotomy Training From Venepuncture Trainers With Over 30 Years Practical Experience and a FREE 10 Day Phelebotomy Taster Course.

There Are Many Ways In Which Blood Can Be Drawn From A Vein.

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Phlebotomy, also known as venesection, is performed by a nurse or a technician known as a phlebotomist. Blood is usually taken from a vein in the upper forearm (antecubetal fossa) is most often chosen for venipuncture. Arterial blood is required for blood gas measurements. Smaller quantity of blood may be obtained from the capillary bed by puncture of the skin " a capillary puncture or skin puncture. Capillary blood is often used for point of care tests (POCT). Depending on the age and condition of the patient, there can be many methods used for blood collection from a vein. Choice of the best method depends also on the tests required and the equipment available to the phlebotomist. Veins from forearm, wrist, or ankle are generally used for venipuncture. Veins in forearm are commonly used since they are larger and more fuller. Cephalic, median cubital, and median basilic are the three main veins in the forearm, and usually the first choice in venipuncture is the median cubital vein if the forearm. **End Summary** Topics: phlebotomy]]> venepuncture]]> cannulation]]> health]]> dieases]]> disease]]> Disease and Illness]]> Reference and Education]]> Self Improvement]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> London, UK: Maxis Healthcare Limited run professional 1 Day Fasttrack Phlebotomy Training Courses. Learn How to become a phlebotomist And Get Phlebotomy Certification From Phlebotomy Trainers With Over 30 Years Practical Experience and a FREE 10 Day Phelebotomy Taster Course.

Color coding in Vacutainer System - tube tops are color coded to indicate the additive present.

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:00:00 -0400

Evacuated Collection Tubes are designed to fill with a predetermined volume of blood by vacuum. Various sizes are available. Blood should never be poured from one tube to another since the tubes can have different additives or coatings. The test tubes are covered with a color-coded plastic cap. They include additives that mix with the blood when collected, and the color of the tube's plastic cap indicates which additives that tube contains. The additives may include anticoagulants (EDTA, sodium citrate, and heparin) or a gel with intermediate density between blood cells and serum. Some tubes contain substances that preserve certain chemicals or substances within the blood, such as glucose. When the serum separator tube is centrifuged, the blood cells sink to the bottom of the tube, are covered by a layer of the gel, and the serum is left on top. The gel enables the tube to be tipped upside-down and transported without the blood cells remixing with the serum. When a tube that does not contain gel or a clotting agent is centrifuged, the clear liquid is plasma, which contains platelets.Manufacturers standardize the colors for additives in collection tubes for Phlebotomy. **End Summary** Topics: phlebotomy]]> venepuncture]]> cannulation]]> health]]> dieases]]> disease]]> Disease and Illness]]> Reference and Education]]> Self Improvement]]> ]]> About the Author: ]]> Maxis Healthcare Limited run professional 1 Day Fasttrack Phlebotomy Training Courses in London, UK. Learn How To Become A Competent Phlebotomist And Get Phlebotomy Certification From Phlebotomy Trainers With Over 30 Years Practical Experience and a FREE 10 Day Phelebotomy Taster Course.