5 Pre-Collection Workflow Practice Free Online FlashCards

What does a safe pre-collection workflow confirm?

Confirm the right patient, verify the order and preparation, and ensure the patient understands and agrees before collection.

What should you do if an order is missing or unclear?

Pause and contact the responsible clinician or laboratory according to local procedure. Do not guess.

What are key work-area preparations before collection?

Gather appropriate ready-to-use supplies, arrange the area to protect privacy, perform hand hygiene, and use appropriate personal protective equipment.

How should you introduce and explain the collection to a patient?

Introduce yourself and your role, explain the collection in plain language, invite questions, and listen without rushing.

How should patient identity be confirmed?

Ask the patient to state their name and a second approved identifier, then compare both with the order and identification band or record as required by policy.

What should you do if patient identifiers do not match?

Stop. Do not collect or label the specimen until the discrepancy is resolved through the designated clinical or laboratory process.

How can you check whether a patient completed required preparation?

Use an open-ended question, such as “What have you had to eat or drink today?” Do not assume the instructions were followed.

What if required preparation was not completed?

Pause and seek guidance from the responsible clinician or laboratory. Explain the issue; do not independently cancel, change, or reinterpret the order.

What should happen before obtaining consent for collection?

Explain the planned collection, what the patient may feel, and relevant next steps; invite questions and confirm agreement before proceeding.

How should a patient who may faint be positioned for a blood draw?

Use a stable, comfortable position and a supported arm. If the patient feels faint or is worried about fainting, use a reclined or supine position when feasible and permitted by policy.

What should you do before exposing or touching the collection area?

Maintain privacy and ask permission before exposing or touching the collection area.

What must pre-collection documentation include?

Document the collection or attempted-collection status and time, relevant barriers or concerns, whom you contacted, guidance received, and the next step. Never document a collection that did not occur.