Page 18 - PHLEBOTOMY STUDY GUIDE

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SPECIAL SPECIMEN CONSIDERATION
Some venipunctures are done using special collecting or handling procedures specific
to the test being requested. Some require patient preparation such as fasting, while some
need to be collected at a specific time. Still, others may need special handling such as
protection from light.

Fasting Specimens
This requires collection of blood while the patient is in the basal state, that is, the patient
has fasted and refrained from strenuous exercise for 12 hours prior to the drawing. It is
the phlebotomist’s responsibility to verify if the patient indeed, has been fasting for the
required time.

Timed Specimens
They are often used to monitor the level of a specific substance or condition in the
patient. Blood is drawn at specific times for different reasons. They are:
• To measure blood levels of substances exhibiting diurnal variation. (e.g.,
cortisol hormone)

• To determine blood levels of medications. (e.g., digoxin for cardiovascular
disease)
• To monitor changes in a patient’s condition. (e.g., a steady decrease in
hemoglobin level)

Two-Hour Postprandial Test
This test is used to evaluate diabetes mellitus. Fasting glucose level is compared with
the level 2 hours after eating a full meal or ingesting a measured amount of glucose.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
This test is used to diagnose diabetes mellitus and evaluate patients with frequent low
blood sugar. 3-hour OGTT is used to test hyperglycemia (abnormally high blood sugar
level) and diagnose diabetes mellitus. 5-hour OGTT is used to evaluate hypoglycemia
(abnormally low blood sugar level). The GTT test begins after the patient is done
drinking a load of glucose solution within 5 minutes with no vomiting.

Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
This test is used to monitor the blood levels of certain medications to ensure patient
safety and also maintain a plasma level. Blood is drawn to coincide with the trough
(lowest blood level) or the peak level (highest blood level). Trough levels are collected
30 minutes before the scheduled dose. Time for collecting peak levels will vary
depending on the medication, patient’s metabolism, and the route of administration
(I.V., I.M., or oral). The nurse will notify you when the medication is administered.

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