Which of the following areas should a phlebotomist use for a capillary collection from a 2-month-old infant?

Choice A Reason:
Notifying the provider about the error is an important step, but it does not correct the error in the patient's chart. Communication with the provider ensures that they are aware of the mistake and can make informed decisions regarding patient care. However, the physical correction of the documentation is also necessary to maintain accurate medical records.

Choice B Reason:
Asking an administrator to erase the error is not a recommended practice. Erasing or using correction fluid can make the chart appear tampered with, which can have legal implications. It is essential that the original entry remains visible to preserve the integrity of the medical record.

Choice C Reason:
Striking a line through the error and initialing is the correct method for correcting a written error in a patient's chart¹². This approach allows the original entry to remain legible, which is crucial for legal and clinical reasons. It also shows that the correction was made by an authorized individual, as the initials indicate who made the change.

Choice D Reason:
Erasing the error and entering the correct information is not an acceptable practice for the same reasons as choice B. It is important not to remove or conceal the original entry, as this could be considered falsifying medical records.

Choice A Reason:

The evacuated tube system is designed for the collection of multiple blood specimens using interchangeable tubes. This system utilizes a double-pointed needle, one end of which goes into the patient's vein and the other into a vacuum tube. As the blood is drawn, it automatically fills the tube until the vacuum is exhausted. The phlebotomist can then easily replace the filled tube with another without removing the needle from the patient's vein, allowing for multiple samples to be taken during a single venipuncture.

Choice B Reason:

The hypodermic needle and syringe system is typically used for manual blood draws when the evacuated tube system is not suitable, such as with small or fragile veins. This system does not use interchangeable tubes; instead, the blood is drawn into a syringe and then transferred into the appropriate tubes, which can be time-consuming and increase the risk of hemolysis or contamination.

Choice C Reason:

A winged infusion set, also known as a butterfly needle, is often used for patients with difficult veins. Like the hypodermic needle and syringe system, it does not inherently allow for the use of interchangeable multi-sample tubes. Blood is collected into a syringe or a single tube attached to the butterfly needle, and changing tubes usually requires a new puncture for each sample.

Choice D Reason:

The lancet microcollection system is used for capillary blood collection, typically from a fingerstick or heelstick. It is used for small volume samples and does not accommodate interchangeable multi-sample tubes. This method is commonly used for pediatric patients or when only a small amount of blood is needed.