Which of the following is a phlebotomist required to document on a CBC specimen label?

Choice A reason:
Capturing the initial stream of urine, also known as the "first catch," is not recommended for a urine culture. This part of the urine stream can contain contaminants from the urethral opening and is not ideal for culture testing, which requires a clean sample.

Choice B reason:
Cleaning the genital area prior to collection is crucial for obtaining a clean-catch urine specimen. This reduces the risk of contamination from bacteria that are normally present on the skin around the urinary opening. Patients should be instructed to use antiseptic wipes to clean the area before collecting the urine sample.

Choice C reason:
Filling the container to capacity is not necessary and is not a specific instruction for urine culture collection. The focus should be on obtaining a midstream sample after the genital area has been cleaned, which provides a more accurate representation of the urine for culture purposes.

Choice D reason:
Labeling the lid prior to collection is an important step in the process to ensure proper identification of the specimen. However, it is not the primary instruction related to the actual collection of the urine sample. The label should include the patient's name, date, and time of collection and should be done after the sample is collected to avoid confusion or contamination.

Choice A reason:
A 23-gauge needle is commonly used for venipuncture with a winged infusion set and a small volume syringe like a 5 mL syringe. This size provides a balance between patient comfort and the ease of drawing blood without causing hemolysis or excessive damage to blood cells. It is large enough to allow blood to flow easily into the syringe but small enough to minimize discomfort and the risk of bruising.

Choice B reason:
An 18-gauge needle is quite large and is typically used for situations requiring rapid administration of fluids or for blood donation where larger volumes are collected quickly. It is not ideal for a standard venipuncture, especially with a small syringe, as it can cause more pain and increase the risk of bruising.

Choice C reason:
A 25-gauge needle is on the smaller side and may be used for patients with very fragile veins or for pediatric patients. However, it may not be the best choice for a 5 mL syringe as it could make the blood draw process slower and more difficult, potentially leading to clotting in the needle or syringe.

Choice D reason:
A 27-gauge needle is very small and is typically used for subcutaneous injections, such as insulin injections, rather than for venipuncture. It would be too small for an efficient blood draw with a 5 mL syringe, as it would likely cause the blood to hemolyze or clot before the draw is completed.