NHA Phlebotomy Certification Practice Exam

Which device is recommended for a hand draw of blood?

1. Vacutainer

2. Butterfly or winged infusion set

3. Standard needle

4. Capillary tube

The correct answer is: Butterfly or winged infusion set

The butterfly or winged infusion set is recommended for a hand draw of blood due to its design, which allows for better maneuverability and stability when dealing with smaller, more challenging veins typically found in the hands. The "wings" on the set provide the phlebotomist with better control, reducing the risk of puncturing the vein multiple times, which can happen with standard needles. Additionally, the smaller gauge size of the butterfly set minimizes discomfort for the patient during venipuncture. This makes it particularly suitable for venipuncture in areas where standard needles may not be as effective, especially in pediatric or geriatric patients, or in cases where veins are particularly small or fragile. In contrast, options like the Vacutainer system is typically used for larger veins in the arm, while a standard needle may lack the flexibility needed for delicate hand draws. A capillary tube is not suitable for venipuncture but is used for collecting blood from capillary sites, which makes it irrelevant for the context of obtaining a blood sample from a vein in the hand.