Processing: NHA CPT Phlebotomy topic guide

Processing carries 14% of the NHA CPT Phlebotomy blueprint used in this course, the 4th-largest of its 5 weighted areas. It spans 6 concepts. The course teaches it in 1 study unit: Processing.

What Processing covers

• What is the difference between serum and plasma? — Targeted correction authority: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/CDRH510K/K013971.pdf. Earlier reference: Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials
• What are the main specimen rejection criteria? — Targeted correction authority: https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/601685. Earlier reference: Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials
• What causes hemolysis in a blood specimen, and which analytes are falsely elevated? — Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials
• What are the special transport/handling requirements for bilirubin, ammonia/lactate, and cold agglutinins? — Targeted correction authority: https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/601685. Earlier reference: Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials
• What are the correct immediate responses to syncope, hematoma, nerve injury, and petechiae during a draw? — Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials
• When and where should specimen tubes be labeled after a blood draw? — Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials

Common mistakes in Processing

• EDTA tube yields serum (WRONG; anticoagulated tubes yield plasma)
• Hemolysis is caused by fasting (WRONG; caused by mechanical trauma to RBCs)
• Confusing hemolysis with lipemia or icterus (different pre-analytical errors)
• Bilirubin does not require light protection (WRONG; light degrades bilirubin)

Key terms for Processing

Serum · Plasma · QNS · Hemolysis · Iatrogenic anemia · Syncope · Hematoma

How Processing connects to other areas

• When and where should specimen tubes be labeled after a blood draw? links to What is chain of custody, and which types of specimens require it? — Patient Preparation
• What causes hemolysis in a blood specimen, and which analytes are falsely elevated? links to How should a tourniquet be applied, and what is the maximum time it should remain in place? — Routine Blood Collections
• What are the correct immediate responses to syncope, hematoma, nerve injury, and petechiae during a draw? links to How should a patient be positioned for venipuncture, and what risk does improper positioning address? — Patient Preparation
• What are the correct immediate responses to syncope, hematoma, nerve injury, and petechiae during a draw? links to How should a tourniquet be applied, and what is the maximum time it should remain in place? — Routine Blood Collections
• When and where should specimen tubes be labeled after a blood draw? links to What is the two-identifier rule and why is room number NOT acceptable? — Patient Preparation
• When and where should specimen tubes be labeled after a blood draw? links to What are the 11 steps of the venipuncture procedure in order? — Routine Blood Collections
• When and where should specimen tubes be labeled after a blood draw? links to What is the correct collection procedure for a Glucose Tolerance Test? — Special Collections
• When and where should specimen tubes be labeled after a blood draw? links to What is the difference between a trough and a peak specimen in Therapeutic Drug Monitoring? — Special Collections

Official references for Processing

• Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials
• Targeted correction authority: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/CDRH510K/K013971.pdf. Earlier reference: Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials
• Targeted correction authority: https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/601685. Earlier reference: Ruth McCall Phlebotomy Essentials

In the app this area comes with 9 memory cards and 20 module-quiz questions in the full course.