Question

A phlebotomy technician is using an evacuated needle holder and blood collection tubes to collect blood from a patient. Which of the following actions should the technician take ?

A. Position the needle at a 45 degree angle to the skin.
B. Insert the needle with the bevel side facing downward.
C. Palpate below the puncture site if blood flow is not established.
D. Push the first collection tube gently into the holder.

Answer 1

The correct action for a phlebotomy technician to take when using an evacuated needle holder and blood collection tubes is 'D. Push the first collection tube gently into the holder,' ensuring a proper blood draw using the vacuum within the tube.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a phlebotomy technician is using an evacuated needle holder and blood collection tubes to collect blood from a patient, the correct action they should take is:

• Position the needle at a 15 to 30 degree angle to the skin.
• Insert the needle with the bevel side facing upward.
• Palpate above the puncture site if blood flow is not established.
• Push the first collection tube gently into the holder.

Therefore, the correct answer to the question is 'D. Push the first collection tube gently into the holder.' This ensures that the vacuum in the tube can pull blood through the needle without the need for syringe-style suction, which can cause hemolysis or collapse the vein if done improperly.