Question

After performing a routine venipuncture the phlebotomist noticed the blood in the evacuated tube was bright cherry red, what vessel did the phlebotmist likely puncture?

Answer 1

The phlebotomist probably punctured an artery. Arterial blood is oxygen rich blood. The greater amount of oxygen changes the physical characteristics of this type from a purplish to bright red, cherry, changing the pH from low to high pH.