Practice Quiz

Phlebotomy Technician

Category - Complications

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Phil the New Phlebotomy Tech was in the process of collecting a blood specimen when he noticed that the flow of blood had slowed and then stopped completely. Phil pulled the needle back a bit- with no improvement. Then inserted the needle forward a bit; still no improvement. He released the tourniquet; still no blood. Phil asked the patient to make a fist; again, no blood. Other than removing the needle and resticking the patient, is there anything else Phil can try?
  1. Phil can probe with the needle to re-enter the vein.
  2. Phil can palpate above the venipuncture site to feel where the needle is.
  3. Phil can apply a warm towel to promote vasodilatation.
  4. Phil can try another tube, as the vacuum in the current tube may not be working properly.
Explanation
Answer: D - Before removing the needle, Phil should determine that the vein indeed collapsed. Many times, incomplete blood collections are not because of the phlebotomist’s technique; rather the vacuum pressure in the tube is not sufficient or too strong. Probing or digging with the needle should never be done. It is painful for the patient and may cause injury and hemolysis of blood cells.
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