Every step towards prevention or disease diagnosis starts with a blood draw. A phlebotomist should know when to use the butterfly needle, the correct tube, the perfect placement on the vein for the draw, and the time for the clot. The biggest challenge for the phlebotomist is to deal with a hard stick for the patients. Any negligence may lead to contamination, hemolysis, and in some cases, patient adverse events.
Correct Technique – It all starts from here
Accurate phlebotomy is essential for ensuring accurate results and making the right diagnosis. A proper phlebotomy technique involves using the right equipment, following proper sterile techniques and collecting the blood from the correct location.
One example of the importance of accurate phlebotomy techniques in oncology is in the case of collecting blood for cancer marker tests. Cancer marker tests are used to detect the presence of specific substances in the blood that are associated with certain types of cancer. These tests are essential in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring cancer patients.
Additionally, the type of blood collection tube used can also affect the accuracy of cancer marker test results. Different types of blood collection tubes contain different anticoagulants, and some anticoagulants can interfere with the accuracy of the results. For example, if a blood collection tube containing EDTA is used, it can cause the breakdown of red blood cells, leading to false negative results for certain cancer marker tests.
Phlebotomy is not just a blood draw nowadays. The growing number of complex kits and research draws also require the phlebotomist to be a lab technician, such as processing blood. It is also essential and critical to maintaining the proper temperature. For example, if the plasma is not stored in the frozen condition with the right frozen conditions, the biomarker tests would lead to accurate results, resulting in a correct diagnosis.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to use the correct phlebotomy technique and the correct blood collection tube to obtain accurate results for cancer marker tests. Proper technique and the use of qualified phlebotomists can help ensure that blood samples are collected correctly and that the results of cancer marker tests are accurate. This is crucial for the effective diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of cancer patients.