Preventing Preanalytical Errors

Specimen collection errors can lead to serious consequences to the patient including over-medication, under-medication, mismanagement, misdiagnosis, even patient death. These negative consequences can only be prevented by healthcare personnel who realize how critical their blood collection technique is to the accuracy of the results.

This video details errors that collectors can introduce into specimens during collection, transportation and storage that can alter test results. Topics to be covered include the proper order of draw, minimizing specimen hemolysis, drawing blood during the infusion of IV fluids, specimen stability, the effects of exercise, posture, prolonged tourniquet application Highly detailed and painstakingly researched to reflect the latest Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI, formerly NCCLS) guidelines.

Approximate running time: 43 minutes.

Features include:

• eye-popping 3D graphic animation of hemoconcentration;
• detailed information on patient identification, the effects of prolonged tourniquet time, the order of draw, complications with IV fluids, and much more.
• precautions against relying on arm bracelets not attached to the patient;
• 1.0 hour of ASCLS P.A.C.E.® continuing education credit
• Consistent with the most recent CLSI venipuncture standards, H3-A6 (revised November, 2007).

After watching this video, viewers will be able to:

• identify preanalytical errors that can significantly alter results;
• state the revised CLSI order of draw;
• discuss the mechanisms of hemolysis;
• discuss considerations for drawing specimens during IV infusion;
• state the acceptable means of patient identification according to CLSI standards... and much more.

Use Applied Phlebotomy in your new employee orientation and training to make sure your staff is properly trained, your risk is properly managed an your specimens are properly collected. By applying the techniques and information presented in Applied Phlebotomy, phlebotomists and other healthcare professionals will be able to protect against the numerous and significant negative outcomes that can be caused by poor specimen collection and processing techniques.