Phlebotomy terms
38 glossary entries from the Phlebotomy topic of the CCMA test plan. Try free Phlebotomy practice questions.
- ABGArterial blood gases: a test of oxygen, carbon dioxide and pH in arterial blood.
- additiveA substance in a blood tube, such as an anticoagulant or clot activator, that prepares the specimen for testing.
- anticoagulantA substance that prevents blood from clotting, such as heparin, EDTA or sodium citrate in tubes, or warfarin as a drug.
- basilic veinA superficial vein on the little-finger side of the arm; it lies near the brachial artery and a nerve, so it is a less…
- buffy coatThe thin pale layer of white cells and platelets between red cells and plasma in centrifuged blood.
- butterfly needleA winged infusion set: a needle with plastic wings and tubing, used with a syringe or evacuated tubes.
- capillary puncturePuncturing the skin of a fingertip or infant heel with a lancet to collect a small blood sample, often for…
- CBCComplete blood count: a blood test of red cells, white cells, platelets, hemoglobin and hematocrit.
- centrifugeA machine that spins specimens at high speed to separate serum or plasma from blood cells.
- cephalic veinA superficial vein on the thumb side of the arm, often used for venipuncture.
- chain of custodyWritten documentation of everyone who handles a specimen, such as for a drug test, from collection to testing, so its…
- clot activatorA tube additive that speeds clotting so serum can be separated; it can interfere with coagulation tests.
- coagulationFormation of a blood clot.
- EDTAEthylenediaminetetraacetic acid: the anticoagulant in lavender (also pink or pearl) tubes, used for hematology tests…
- evacuated tubeA blood collection tube with a premeasured vacuum that fills automatically when attached to a needle and tube holder.
- fasting specimenA sample drawn after the patient has not eaten for a set time, required for some tests such as glucose and cholesterol.
- formed elementsThe cellular parts of blood: red cells, white cells and platelets.
- glycolytic inhibitorA tube additive, sodium fluoride in gray-top tubes, that stops cells from using up glucose in the sample.
- hematomaA collection of blood under the skin, causing swelling and a bruise; a common venipuncture complication.
- hemolysisRupture of red blood cells, which releases their contents and can invalidate test results.
- hemostasisThe body's process for stopping bleeding.
- heparinAn anticoagulant; in green-top tubes it is used for plasma chemistry tests. It is also given as a blood-thinning drug.
- lancetA small, sharp device used to puncture the skin for a capillary blood sample.
- lipemiaExcess fat (lipid) in a blood sample, which can cause erroneous test results.
- median cubital veinThe superficial vein in the antecubital area linking the cephalic and basilic veins; a frequent venipuncture site.
- order of drawThe CLSI sequence for filling blood tubes so additives do not carry over: blood cultures, light blue citrate, serum…
- phlebotomyThe practice of drawing blood from a vein, usually for laboratory testing.
- plasmaThe liquid part of blood, mostly water, that carries blood cells and dissolved substances.
- PTProthrombin time: a clotting test used, with the INR, to monitor warfarin.
- PTTPartial thromboplastin time: a clotting test often used to monitor heparin.
- RBCRed blood cell (erythrocyte), or the red cell count.
- serumThe liquid left after blood clots; plasma without clotting factors.
- serum separator tubeA gold or red-gray (tiger top) tube with clot activator and a gel that separates serum from cells during centrifugation.
- sodium citrateThe anticoagulant in light blue tubes, used for coagulation tests such as PT/INR; the tube must be filled to the line.
- tourniquetA band tied around the arm to slow venous blood flow so veins are easier to find and puncture.
- vasovagal reactionA reaction with pallor, sweating, dizziness, nausea and sometimes fainting, which can occur during blood collection.
- venipuncturePuncturing a vein with a needle to collect blood.
- WBCWhite blood cell (leukocyte), or the white cell count.