Laboratory Procedures Never Taste Specimens!!

Objectives Basic principles of venipuncture (phlebotomy). Importance of using aseptic techniques.

What is the normal range for a glucose level?

Answer: 80-120

Introduction Phlebotomy-collection of blood from a vein via needle stick. Arteries-are accessed routinely only by medical doctors and respiratory therapists.

Most Commonly Used Veins Antecubital-bend of elbow. Median cubital and median cephalic-forearm just below bend of elbow, most often used.

Scalp-infants and children under one year. Heel-infants and children under one year.

This Belongs to Who? Label all tubes with: patient name, doctor name and patient birth date.

Over-The-Counter Glucose Test

Glucometer A machine that measures blood sugar level.

1. Turn on glucometer and check calibration by looking for “8”s as it boots up. 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8

2. Insert glucostrip into glucometer.

3. Wipe off the first drop of blood with sterile gauze.

4. Place 1 drop of blood on the glucostrip and press “start”.

5. Read glucose level when alarm sounds.

REMEMBER * Normal glucose level is 80-120. *Report levels below 40 and above 200 immediately.

Gross Analysis ????

Gross analysis is determining what you can, about specimens, using your basic special senses without any special equipment.

Use sense(s) appropriate for specimen. Inspection (vision)-check amount, color, concentration. Olfaction (smell)-check odors. Auscultation (hearing)-check sounds.

Palpation (touch)-check how it feels. * Never taste specimens.