How do you know what tube to use in Phlebotomy?

Answer 1

The only information that is needed is the patients Full Name, Date of Birth, Date of Draw, Phlebotomist initals and the only other exception is if your doing a type and screen then you would put all this information plus there social security card. Tubes usually come pre-labeled from the manufacturer. Some clinics use the label already affixed to the tube, writing all pertinent information as mentioned above. The most common method of labeling in clinics or hospitals is label printing on site. Data is entered into a base where the labels are printed out with all info including a barcode and in some cases giving the "order of draw" for each tube. Although much labeling is done mechanically it is the person who draws responsibility to ensure accuracy and sample integrity, when delivering to the laboratory.

Answer 2

I have never heard of a time when you "use" a dummy tube. Dummy tubes are those tubes that for some reason have lost the vacuum that causes them to draw the blood from the vein. They are called dummies because they dont draw the blood out. Usually, just attaching another tube will do the trick.