When the phlebotomist is using microcollection tubes for a fingerstick the collection tube that should usually be filled first is the lavender-capped tube (this different from the order used with venipuncture) to ensure that the volume collected is sufficient for hematology tests. This is followed by other collection tubes that contain additives, and the plain tubes utilized for serum collection are filled last. In most cases, the first drop of blood is wiped away and the second drop of blood is collected.

Collection timing is most critical for monitoring therapeutic drugs with short half-lives, such as the aminoglycosides. Timing is less critical for testing for levels of drugs with longer half-lives such as phenobarbital or digoxin, and even less so for ethanol, or blood alcohol, testing.

A long-lasting white foam may indicate renal disease; deeply pigmented yellow foam on yellow-brown or yellow-green urine may indicate the presence of bilirubin or biliverdin, which are associated with hepatitis. Normal urine may range in color from pale yellow to dark amber. Bacteria and epithelial cells are indicative of a pathological condition only when present in large quantities.

The phlebotomist should always verify a patient's ID, even if he or she has been identified by the receptionist or has responded when his or her name has been called. Some outpatients may have been issued an ID card by the clinic: however, outpatients should still be asked to confirm their name and date of birth.

The order of the draw for specimens obtained by capillary puncture is (first to last) EDTA specimens, specimens requiring other additives, then serum specimens. Puncturing the skin begins the coagulation process because the body responds to trauma with hemostasis and clotting so the specimens should be obtained quickly, with the EDTA specimen collected first because this specimen will be used for hematology studies and will be the most affected by clotting.