Chapter 17 - Collecting, processing, and testing blood specimens. In many health-care settings, the medical assistant is responsible for collecting blood specimens from patients and even performs some testing in the waived category. In order to properly collect the specimens, you will need to review the circulatory system and the function of blood. You will be introduced in this chapter to venipuncture and capillary collection procedures, and you will learn the appropriate supplies and equipment needed to perform these procedures. | 17 Collecting, Processing, and Testing Blood Specimens 17- Learning Outcomes Discuss the composition and function of blood. Describe the process for collecting a blood specimen. Explain the importance of confirming patients’ identities and correctly identifying blood samples. Describe how to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture procedures. 17- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Identify the equipment and supplies required for blood-drawing procedures. Discuss the correct procedures for disposing of waste generated during blood-drawing procedures. Discuss common fears and concerns of patients and how to ease these fears. 17- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Develop techniques for helping patients with special needs, including children, the elderly, patients at risk for uncontrolled bleeding, and difficult patients. Identify common blood tests and explain their purposes. Perform certain blood tests. 17- . | 17 Collecting, Processing, and Testing Blood Specimens 17- Learning Outcomes Discuss the composition and function of blood. Describe the process for collecting a blood specimen. Explain the importance of confirming patients’ identities and correctly identifying blood samples. Describe how to perform venipuncture and capillary puncture procedures. 17- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Identify the equipment and supplies required for blood-drawing procedures. Discuss the correct procedures for disposing of waste generated during blood-drawing procedures. Discuss common fears and concerns of patients and how to ease these fears. 17- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Develop techniques for helping patients with special needs, including children, the elderly, patients at risk for uncontrolled bleeding, and difficult patients. Identify common blood tests and explain their purposes. Perform certain blood tests. 17- Introduction Medical assistant Collects blood specimens Performs waived testing Knowledge needed Understand circulatory system and function of blood Appropriate supplies and equipment How to perform and screen common blood tests 17- Role of the Medical Assistant Phlebotomy – insertion of a needle or cannula into a vein to withdraw blood Put the patient at ease during procedure Process specimens and conduct testing Complete necessary paperwork and make sure specimens are handled properly 17- Functions and Composition of Blood Circulatory system transports blood Heart pumps 8–12 pints of blood through 70,000 miles of vessels/day Hematology – the study of blood 17- Functions and Composition of Blood (cont.) Functions of blood Distributes oxygen, nutrients, and hormones Eliminates waste products Attacks infecting pathogens Maintains acid-base balance Regulates body temperature 17- Functions and Composition of Blood (cont.) Red blood cells – erythrocytes .
