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phlebotomy

Venipuncture (Evacuated Tube System)

Always tested on the CCMA

Perform venipuncture using the evacuated tube system.

About this skill

Venipuncture with the evacuated tube system, including tourniquet release within 1 minute, the correct order of draw, and bedside specimen labeling.

16 total steps
6 critical steps
Time limit: 5 min

What graders are watching for

  • 1
    Release the tourniquet within 1 minute
  • 2
    Order of draw: cultures, light blue, red, SST, green, lavender, gray
  • 3
    Label tubes at the bedside

Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)

  • !
    Releasing the tourniquet too late (hemoconcentration)
  • !
    Drawing EDTA tubes before citrate tubes (false coagulation results)
  • !
    Shaking the tubes instead of inverting gently

Practice this skill step-by-step

The static walkthrough above is the marketing overview. The full step-by-step interactive practice (with critical-step highlighting, per-step "why this matters" rationale, and what graders watch for on each individual step) is unlocked with a subscription.

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Related phlebotomy skills

Capillary Puncture (Fingerstick)
Perform a capillary puncture for glucose or hemoglobin testing.
Order of Draw (Phlebotomy Tubes)
Fill blood collection tubes in the correct order.