Refers to the process of collecting or “drawing blood from a vein of the patient for laboratory testing purposes.

• Venipuncture

• Capillary Puncture

He/She should acquire the knowledge and skill to perform venipuncture since he will perform this procedure frequently as part of his duties and responsibilities in the healthcare institution.

• Phlebotomist

• Medical Technician

• Physician

Meaning: Immediately

When used: Results are needed for critical patients

Priority: First

• Stat

• Med Emerg

• Timed

• ASAP

Meaning: Medical Emergency

When used: Results are needed for critical patients

Priority: First

• Stat

• Med Emerg

• Timed

• ASAP

Meaning: Collect at a specific time

When used: Timing of collection is important

Priority: Second

• Fasting

• NPO

• Timed

• ASAP

Meaning: As soon as possible

When used: Results needed to respond to a serious but not yet critical situations.

Priority: Second or third

• Fasting

• NPO

• Preop

• ASAP

Prior to collection there should be no food or drink intake for 8-12 hours.

When used: Eliminate effects of the diet

Priority: Fourth

• Fasting

• NPO

• Preop

• Postop

Meaning: Nothing by mouth

When used: Prior to surgery or other anesthesia procedures

Priority: N/A

• Fasting

• NPO

• Preop

• Postop

Meaning: Before an operation

When used: Determine eligibility for surgery

Priority: Second or third

• Routine

• NPO

• Preop

• Postop

Meaning: After an operation

When used: Assess condition after surgery

Priority: Second or third

• Routine

• NPO

• Preop

• Postop