palpation
Medical term Routine Blood Collections
Feeling with the index fingertip to find a vein and judge its size, depth and direction; the thumb is not used because it has its own pulse.
Related terms
- pulseThe throb of an artery with each heartbeat. A pulse under the fingertip means an artery is there; do not…
- veinA vessel that carries blood back toward the heart under low pressure. Superficial arm veins are the usual…
- neutrophilGranular white cell that is most plentiful in blood; it is first to reach infected tissue, where it swallows…
- order of drawCLSI venous tube sequence that stops additive carryover: blood cultures, sodium citrate, serum tubes…
- orthostatic hypotensionA drop in blood pressure on standing up that causes dizziness or fainting; have a patient rest before…
- osteomyelitisInfection of bone; a known complication of an infant heel puncture that reaches the calcaneus.
- petechiaeTiny red pinpoint dots from bleeding under the skin. They may appear below a tourniquet and can point to a…
- phlebitisInflammation of a vein, most often from a clot (thrombophlebitis); a phlebitic vein is avoided for…
- phlebotomyDrawing blood, by venipuncture or skin puncture, for laboratory testing, donation or treatment.
- plantar surfaceThe sole of the foot. Infant heel punctures are made on its medial or lateral sides.
Study Routine Blood Collections