A patient lying on their stomach is in the prone position. A patient lying on their back, face up, is in the supine position. A patient standing erect with arms at their sides and palms facing forward is considered to be in the anatomic position. Reclined position is also referred to as semi- Fowler's position, with the head of the bed at approximately 30 to 45 degrees.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is usually collected in three or four numbered tubes. If four tubes are collected, they are tested in the following manner:
1. Chemistry and immunology tests
2. Microbioloy studies
3. Cell count and differential
4. Cytoloy and special tests
The cell count is conducted with the third tube that is collected because the first two tubes are more likely to be contaminated with blood cells that were introduced during the spinal tap.

If a patient complains of feeling faint during collection of a blood specimen, the tourniquet and needle should be removed; pressure applied: and then the patient reclined, lain flat or have his or her head and arms lowered. Tight clothing, especially around the neck and chest, should be loosened. Ammonia inhalants are no longer used because their use may result in adverse effects. Personnel trained in first aid should be notified so they can examine and monitor the patient.

When peritoneal fluid is aspirated during a paracentesis and must be tested for cell counts, the type of specimen tube that is indicated is EDTA. A sterile heparinized tube is used for cultures, a heparin or sodium fluoride tube is for chemistries, and a nonanticoagulant tube is for biochemical tests. Serous fluid is usually pale yellow in appearance and may include pericardial fluid that surrounds the heart, pleural fluid from the space around the lungs, and peritoneal fluid from the abdominal cavity.

The phlebotomist should observe a venipuncture site for 5-10 seconds for signs of excessive or persistent bleeding before applying a gauze pressure bandage. If there is bleeding, direct pressure should be applied until the bleeding is stopped and then the pressure dressing is applied. The patient should avoid exposing the site to direct pressure (such as that from a purse strap) or exertion for the next several hours to avoid reopening the wound and causing bleeding.