Question

Scars cover the arms and hands of a patient whose requisition requires CBC and electrolytes. After finding no acceptable venipuncture site on either arm or hand, the phlebotomy technician sees that the scarring does not extend to the fingertips. Which of the following is true? (A) The phlebotomy technician can do a capillary draw and submit specimens without additional comment. (B) The phlebotomy technician can do a capillary draw and document that where the blood was collected and why. (C) The phlebotomy technician can draw blood from a vein in the foot or ankle. (D) The phlebotomy technician can dismiss the patient and report that the draw could not be completed.

Answer 1

When standard venipuncture sites are unavailable, a phlebotomy technician can perform a capillary draw and must document the collection method and reason. Venous blood is preferable, but the technician's documentation is essential when capillary blood must be used for tests that typically use venous samples.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student's question pertains to the correct procedure when standard venipuncture sites are unavailable due to scarring. Given the circumstances described, the accurate answer is: (B) The phlebotomy technician can do a capillary draw and document where the blood was collected and why. This is because for a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and electrolytes test, it is generally preferred to draw blood from a venipuncture site.

If those sites cannot be used due to extensive scarring, capillary blood collection is an alternative, although it is typically done for obtaining smaller amounts of blood. When capillary blood is used for tests that usually require venous blood, it's vital to document this deviation from standard procedures, as the blood composition can differ between capillary and venous samples, which may affect the test results. It is not advisable to draw blood from a vein in the foot or ankle without specific training and necessity, due to the increased risk of complications, and dismissing the patient is not appropriate as it does not fulfill the technician's duty to provide care.