Final answer:
A phlebotomist should request the patient to make a fist before applying the tourniquet during venipuncture to improve vein visibility and accessibility. The appearance of agglutination with both anti-A and anti-B antibodies in a blood typing test indicates an AB blood type. Phlebotomy is a critical skill for professionals in medical lab technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
During a routine venipuncture, a phlebotomist should request that the patient "make a fist" before applying the tourniquet. This action helps to increase the blood pressure within the vein, making the veins more prominent and easier to access. It also aids in increasing the blood flow within the vein, but the patient should be advised to relax their fist before the needle is inserted to avoid causing hematoma. The process of making a fist should not occur after inserting the needle or during needle removal, as these actions can complicate the procedure and may result in injury to the patient or an inadequate blood sample.
In the case of the blood typing procedure, if both anti-A and anti-B antibodies cause agglutination when added to separate wells containing the patient's blood, the technician has not made an error. This is a normal response that indicates the patient has AB blood type, which reacts with both types of antibodies.
Phlebotomy and Medical Lab Technology careers require professionals to be skilled in venipuncture and to be knowledgeable about procedures involved in drawing blood and handling blood samples. These professionals must ensure safe and successful blood draws for tests, transfusions, donations, or research.