Clinical Skills & Best Practices

Mastering Difficult Sticks: Tips for Rolling and Deep Veins

Phlebotomist drawing blood from a patient with deep/rolling veins using a butterfly needle, warm compress and vein finder visible

This article blends hands-on techniques for rolling and deep veins with a practical roadmap to phlebotomy certification and first jobs in the United States. You’ll learn assessment strategies, stepwise venipuncture tips, training and exam options, state rule variations, and how…

  • 17 mins

Phlebotomy Tube Colors and Additives: The Ultimate Chart

Phlebotomist holding a tray of color-coded blood collection tubes with certification paperwork and a small US map in the background

Understanding phlebotomy tube colors, additives, and proper handling is essential for accurate lab results and safe patient care. This article provides an in-depth, up-to-date chart of common tube types, their additives, order of draw, handling, and how mastery of these…

  • 23 mins

Order of Draw Explained: Mnemonic and Tube Guide (2025)

Phlebotomist drawing blood with row of color coded vacutainer tubes and certification card, US context

Accurate blood collection relies fundamentally on the correct order of draw. This article details the 2025 standard order of draw, provides a practical mnemonic, outlines tube additives and test pairings, identifies common collection pitfalls, and explains how mastering this protocol…

  • 19 mins

Order of Draw Explained: A Visual Guide for Students

Phlebotomy student arranging color coded blood collection tubes in the standard order of draw while performing a supervised venipuncture in a clinical training lab

Mastering the order of draw is essential for accurate lab results and a successful phlebotomy career. This guide explains why order matters, the standard tube sequence used in the US, hands‑on techniques, and how this knowledge ties into phlebotomy certification…

  • 27 mins