NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)Safety and ComplianceMedium
A phlebotomy technician is asked to collect a blood specimen from a patient who is currently receiving chemotherapy and has a port-a-cath in place. The patient's nurse is unavailable. Which of the following actions should the technician take?
- AInform the patient that they cannot collect the specimen and reschedule.
- BAttempt to access the port-a-cath after reviewing the facility's policy.
- CPerform a venipuncture on a peripheral vein, avoiding the arm with the port-a-cath.
- DNotify the charge nurse and request assistance with the specimen collection.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Notify the charge nurse and request assistance with the specimen collection.
Accessing a port-a-cath is an advanced procedure typically performed by specially trained nurses or physicians, not phlebotomy technicians. The technician should seek appropriate assistance.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. It is not the technician's role to reschedule; they should seek to overcome the obstacle by getting appropriate help.
- B. Accessing a port-a-cath is outside the scope of practice for most phlebotomy technicians.
- C. While a peripheral venipuncture might be possible, the question implies the port is the intended or preferred access; the technician's role is to ensure proper collection, which in this case means getting qualified help.
Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) Access
CVADs like port-a-caths are implanted devices for long-term venous access. Accessing them requires specialized training due to infection risks and specific techniques.
- Phlebotomy technicians typically do not access CVADs.
- Improper access can lead to infection, damage to the device, or patient injury.
- Always defer to trained nursing staff or physicians for CVAD access.
Memory trick: Port-a-Caths are NO-GO for Phlebs!