anchoring

Medical term Routine Blood Collections

Holding the skin taut with the thumb below the site, pulling toward the hand, so the vein stays still as the needle enters.

Sources

Related terms

veinA vessel that carries blood back toward the heart under low pressure. Superficial arm veins are the usual…
ABO blood groupSystem that types blood as A, B, AB or O, depending on which A and B antigens are on the red cells.
acid citrate dextroseACD: additive in pale yellow-top tubes; WHO lists HLA tissue typing, paternity testing and DNA studies.
additiveAnything put in a collection tube on purpose, such as an anticoagulant, clot activator, separator gel or…
anemiaToo few red cells or too little hemoglobin, lowering oxygen delivery. Repeated blood draws can contribute…
antecubital fossaThe hollow at the front of the elbow where the median cubital, cephalic and basilic veins lie; the main…
antibodyA protein the immune system makes against a specific antigen. Antibodies against foreign red-cell antigens…
anticoagulantPrevents clotting: tube additives like EDTA, citrate and heparin, and blood thinners like warfarin, which…
antigenA marker the immune system recognizes. Red-cell antigens such as A, B and the Rh factor decide a person's…