What should you avoid when placing a phlebotomy tray?

Placing a phlebotomy tray on the patient's bed or bedside eating table should be avoided because it increases the risk of contamination and infection. Such surfaces can harbor pathogens, and using them to hold instruments and materials necessary for a blood draw could compromise the safety and sterility of the procedure. In a healthcare setting, it is crucial to maintain a clean and sterile environment to protect both the patient and the healthcare provider.

Using a sanitary surface is important for safe practices, placing items on the floor poses a high risk of contamination, and while placing the tray near an examination light is not ideal due to potential interference with the procedure, it does not inherently compromise sterility to the same extent as other surfaces. Thus, avoiding the bedside eating table is a key practice in ensuring patient safety during phlebotomy.