
ABG (ARTERIAL BLOOD GAS)
A test which analyses arterial blood for oxygen, carbon dioxide and
bicarbonate content in addition to blood pH. Used to test the effectiveness of
respiration.
ANAEROBIC
Growing, living or occurring in the absence of molecular oxygen;
pertaining to an anaerobe. As in phlebotomy, the drawing of blood cultures for
the purpose of possible isolation and identification of anaerobic bacteria.

ANTECUBITAL
That part of the arm opposing the elbow.
ANTICOAGULANT
Anticoagulant solutions used for the preservation of stored whole blood
and blood fractions are acid citrate dextrose (ACD), citrate phosphate dextrose
(CPD), citrate phosphate dextrose adenine (cPDA 1) and heparin. Anticoagulants
used to prevent clotting of blood specimens for laboratory analysis are heparin
and several substances that make calcium ions unavailable to the clotting
process, including EDTA (ethylenediamintetraacetic acid), citrate and oxalate.
ANTISEPTIC
Something that discourages the growth microorganisms (anti means against).
By contrast, aseptic refers to the absence of microorganisms.
ARTERIAL BLOOD
Blood contained within the arteries and which carries oxygen from the
heart and lungs to outlying organs and tissues.
ASEPTIC
The absence of microorganisms. By contrast, something that just
discourages the growth of microorganisms is antiseptic.
ASPIRATE
The material that is withdrawn with a negative pressure apparatus
(syringe).
BASILIC VEIN
Large vein on the inner side of the biceps. Often chosen for intravenous
injections and blood drawing.
BETADINE™
A popular trade name iodine-containing topical antiseptic agent;
povidone-iodine.
BLIND STICK
Performing a venipuncture with no apparently visible or palpable vein.
Though this technique is discouraged, it is occasionally necessary requiring a skilled
phlebotomist who is experienced and well versed in vascular anatomy.
BLOOD
The fluid in the body that contains red cells and white cells as well as
platelets, proteins, plasma and other elements. It is transported throughout
the body by the Circulatory System. Arterial blood is the means by which oxygen
and nutrients are transported to tissues, venous blood is the means by which
carbon dioxide and metabolic by-products are transported for excretion.
BLOOD CELL
There are three main types of cells in the blood stream. The red cell,
which carries oxygen, the white cell, which fights infections and the platelet,
which helps prevent bleeding. The correct balance between each cell type must
be maintained for the body to remain healthy.
BLOOD CLOT
The conversion of blood from a liquid form to solid through the process of
coagulation. A thrombus is a clot which forms inside of a blood vessel. If that
clot moves inside the vessel it is referred to as an embolus (embolism).
BLOOD CULTURE
A test which involves the incubation of a blood specimen overnight to
determine if bacteria are present. Blood is collected in a special media which
enhances the growth of both aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.
BLOODBORNE PATHOGEN
Pathogens which are present in the blood stream and which may be passed to
others.
BUTTERFLY
A small needle with two plastic wings attached which are squeezed together
to form a tab that is used to manipulate the needle. A long 6-12" plastic
tubing is attached which again offers better manipulation. This assembly is
then attached to a syringe or Vacutainer™ holder for the purpose of drawing a
blood sample.
CENTRIFUGE
A laboratory apparatus that separates mixed samples into homogenous
component layers by spinning them at high speed.
CIRCULATION
The movement of fluid in a regular or circuitous course. Although the noun
"circulation" does not necessarily refer to the circulation of the
blood, for all practical purposes today it does. Heart failure is an example of
a problem with the circulation.
CITRATE
A compound that is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle (Krebs cycle).
Citrate chelates (binds) calcium ions, preventing blood clotting and, thus, is
an effective anticoagulant.
CITRATE PHOSPHATE DDEXTROSE (CPD)
An anticoagulant.
CLOT
A semisolid mass of blood found inside or outside the body.
COAGULATE
The process of clot formation
COAGULATION FACTORS
Group of plasma protein substances (Factor I-XIII) contained in the
plasma, which act together to bring about blood coagulation.
COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT (CBC)
The number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets (per cubic
millimeter) that are present in the patient』s sample of blood is determined.
Also included is the hematocrit (%), hemoglobin concentration (gm%) and the
differential. Most common test done on the blood.
CONTAMINATION
The soiling or pollution by inferior material, as by the introduction of
organisms into a wound.
COUMADIN
Trademark for the preparation of warfarin sodium.
DIAPHORETIC
Formation of profuse perspiration (sweat). A symptom of syncope.
DIFFERENTIAL
A count made on a stained blood smear of the proportion of the different
leukocytes (WBC's) and expressed as a percentage. A differential is a normal
part of a complete blood count (CBC).
ECCHYMOSIS
The skin discoloration caused by a bruise (contusion).
EDEMA
The swelling of soft tissues as a result of excess water accumulation. It
is often more prominent in the lower legs and feet toward the end of the day as
a result of pooling of fluid from the upright position maintained during the
day. Development of collateral circulation will result in a reduction of water
accumulation.
EDTA
Ethylenediaminetetraacetate. A calcium chelating (binding) agent that is
used as an anticoagulant for laboratory blood specimens.
ELECTROLYTE
A substance that will acquire the capacity to conduct electricity when put
into solution. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and
phosphate. Informally called "lytes".
EMBOLUS
A sudden blockage of a blood vessel by a blood clot or some other
obstruction which has been transported through blood vessels and lodged at a
site too small for passage. Examples of emboli are a detached blood clot, a
clump of bacteria, or other foreign material, such as air. Contrast to
thrombus.
ERYTHROCYTE
Cells that carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
FACTOR VIII
One of a number of coagulation factors. Classic hemophilia (hemophilia A)
is due to a congenital deficiency in the amount (or activity) of factor VIII.
The gene for factor VIII (that for classic hemophilia) is on the X
chromosome so females can be silent carriers without symptoms and males can be
hemophiliacs.
FASTING
Without eating. A number of laboratory tests are performed on
"fasting" blood specimens such as sugar (glucose) levels. Specimens
are usually taken after overnight fasting.
FIBRIN
The protein formed during normal blood clotting that is the essence of the
clot.
FIBRINOGEN
The protein from which fibrin is formed/generated in normal blood
clotting.
FLASH-BACK
Relative to venipuncture, the appearance of a small amount of blood in the
neck of a syringe or the tubing of a butterfly. This is a sign that the vein
has been properly accessed.
GAUGE
Needle diameter is measured by gauge; the larger the needle diameter, the
smaller the gauge. For example, a very large diameter needle (16 ga.) may be
used for hemodialysis, whereas a much smaller needle (23 ga.) would be used to
draw blood for laboratory testing.
GERMICIDE
An agent that kills pathogenic microorganisms.
GLUCOSE
The sugar measured in blood and urine specimens to determine the presence
or absence of diabetes. Glucose is the end product of carbohydrate metabolism
and is the chief source of energy for all living organisms.
HEPARIN
An anticoagulant that acts to inhibit a number of coagulation factors,
especially factor Xa. Heparin is formed in the liver.
HEMATOCRIT
The ratio of the total red blood cell volume to the total blood volume and
expressed as a percentage.
HEMATOMA
A localized collection of blood within tissue due to leakage from the wall
of a blood vessel, producing a bluish discoloration (ecchymosis) and pain.
HEMOCONCENTRATION
A decrease in the fluid content of the blood (plasma), resulting in an
increase in concentration. This is determined by an increase in the hematocrit.
Caused by a filtration of plasma into body tissues and often created by
dehydration.
HEMOGLOBIN
The oxygen carrying pigment of the red blood cells.
HEMOLYZE
The breaking of the red blood cells membrane releasing free hemoglobin
into the circulating blood. In phlebotomy, this is usually the result of
mechanical damage due to poor technique.
HEPARIN
An anticoagulant that acts to inhibit a number of coagulation factors,
especially factor Xa. Heparin is formed in the liver.
HYPODERMIC NEEDLE
A needle that attaches to a syringe for the purpose of injections or
withdrawal of fluids such as blood.
LYMPHEDEMA
Lymphedema is a type of swelling which occurs in lymphatic tissue when
excess fluid collects in the arms or legs because the lymph nodes or vessels
are blocked or removed. Regarding phlebotomy, this can be a major complication
of mastectomies.
MULTI-SAMPLE ADAPTER
A device used with a butterfly and Vacutainer™ holder to
allow for the withdrawal of multiple tubes of blood during a venipuncture.
ORDER OF DELIVERY
A term used to define the order in which tubes should be filled with blood
after being drawn by syringe.
ORDER OF DRAW
Terminology used to define the order in which blood sample tubes should be
drawn using a multi-sample technique such as the Vacutainer™ System.
OXYHEMOGLOBIN
Hemoglobin that has been bound with oxygen in the lungs for the purpose of
transport of oxygen to cells of the body. In the cells oxygen is exchanged for
carbon dioxide.
PALPATE
To examine or feel by the hand. In relation to venipuncture, this
technique is used to "feel" a vein which will tend to rebound when
slight pressure is applied with the finger. The technique is used to help
determine the size, depth and direction of a vein. In relation to arterial
punctures, this technique is used to determine the position and depth of an
artery (see pulse)
PATHOGEN
Any microorganism that produces disease.
PATHOGENIC
Having the capability of producing disease.
PERIPHERAL BLOOD
Blood obtained from the circulation away from the heart, such as from the
fingertip, heel pad, earlobe or from an antecubital vein.
pH
The symbol used to depict the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution,
i.e. acidity. pH 7.0 is neutral; above 7.0 is alkaline, below is acid.
PIPET
A glass or transparent plastic tube used to accurately measure small
amounts of liquid.
PLASMA
The fluid portion of the blood in which the cellular components are
suspended. Plasma is different from serum!
PLATELETS
Also known as a thrombocyte, this is a particulate component of the blood,
approximately 2-4 microns in diameter and known for its involvement in blood
coagulation. This structure, which has no nucleus or DNA, is formed by breaking
off from the cytoplasm of the parent cell, known as a megakaryocyte in the bone
marrow. Under normal conditions, platelets will aggregate at the site of a
break in vascular integrity, forming the beginning stages of a clot. Normal
platelet counts range from 150,000-450,000/cm³.
POVIDONE-IODINE
Used as a topical antiseptic, this is a compound made by reacting iodine
with povidone which slowly releases iodine. Same as Betadine™.
RED BLOOD CELLS (RBC)
One of the solid components of the blood which is normally a biconcave
disc without a nucleus. This is the component of the blood that contains
hemoglobin which is responsible for oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange. A red
cell count is performed as part of a complete blood count and ranges from
4,500,000-5,000,000 RBC's per cubic millimeter.
SCLEROSIS
A hardening; especially from inflammation and certain disease states.
Though sclerosis may occur in many areas of the body, the term is most often
associated with blood vessels.
SERUM
Referring to blood, the clear liquid portion of blood that separates out
after clotting has taken place. Since clotting has occurred, serum is
fibrinogen deficient. Contrast to plasma.
TOURNIQUET
In regards to venipuncture, a constrictive band, placed over an extremity
to distend veins for the purpose of blood aspiration or intravenous injections.
Materials used may be rubber, latex or other synthetic elastic material. A
blood pressure cuff may also be used.
VACUTAINER™
Vacutainer is a federally and internationally registered trademark owned
by BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company) that is used in connection with a
complete system of tubes, needles and needle holders, sharps collectors, and
safety devices in blood collection. The Vacutainer™ evacuated tube, for example,
automatically aspirates the correct amount of blood into a tube. It is used
instead of a syringe. Despite of the fact that BD owns the Vacutainer™
trademark, the term has become so widely used to describe similar blood
collection tubes and devices, that it has become a generically used term.
VACUTAINER™ HOLDER
A cylindrical shaped holder that accepts a Vacutainer™ tube
on one end and a Vacutainer™ needle on the other. The holder,
tube and needle comprise the Vacutainer™ System, used to draw
multiple tubes of blood with one venipuncture.
VACUTAINER™ NEEDLE
The needle used to attach to a Vacutainer™ holder. The
needle has a male thread on one end which screws into the holder. The threaded
end also has a large gauge needle, enclosed by a rubber sheath. This needle
will puncture the stopper of a Vacutainer™ tube allowing blood to
enter the tube. Upon withdrawal of this needle from the tube, the rubber sheath
covers the needle bevel, stopping the flow of blood. Thus, any number of tubes
may be drawn with only a single venipuncture.
VACUTAINER™ SYSTEM
The combination of a Vacutainer™ holder, needle and sample
tube which allows for a more automated method of drawing blood. When a
multi-sample needle is used the system will allow for the aspiration of any number
of sample tubes with only one venipuncture.
VACUTAINER™ TUBE
Blood sample tubes containing a vacuum. When the tube stopper is pierced
by a Vacutainer™ needle which has been properly positioned in a
vein, the vacuum draws blood into the tube.
VEIN
Blood vessels carrying blood to the heart. Blood contained within these
vessels is generally bound with carbon dioxide which will be exchanged for
oxygen in the lungs. The presence of carbon dioxide and the absence of oxygen
accounts for the dark red appearance of the blood in venous circulation. The
only exception to this is the pulmonary vein which is the vein returning to the
heart from the lungs, this time with oxygenated blood (no carbon dioxide).
VENIPUNCTURE
The puncture of a vein for any purpose.
VENOUS
Pertaining to the veins, or blood passing through them.
VENOUS BLOOD
Blood contained within the veins.
WARFARIN SODIUM
The sodium salt of warfarin, one of the synthetic coumarin anticoagulants.
Coumadin™
WHITE BLOOD CELL
Also leukocyte. A variety of cells within the blood and bone marrow whose
general purpose is to help in fighting infection. Each type is differentiated
by use of a stained preparation (see differential) and is separated based on
how the cells and their components take up the stain. The five general cells
thus distinguished are neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, basophils and
eosinophils all of which are nucleated cells.
WHITE CELL COUNT
The number of white blood cells (leukocytes) found in the peripheral blood
and measured per cubic millimeter. See also complete blood count.
WHOLE BLOOD
Blood from which none of the elements have been removed. It is usually
referred to as that blood, collected from a donor and anticoagulated for the
purpose of blood replenishment for a recipient.