What should be checked in patient records to prevent allergic reactions during a procedure?

Checking known allergies in patient records is essential for preventing allergic reactions during procedures. This information directly informs healthcare professionals about substances that may trigger an adverse reaction in the patient. Allergies can include reactions to medications, latex, food items, and other materials that may be encountered during a procedure. Understanding a patient’s specific allergies allows the phlebotomy technician and the healthcare team to take necessary precautions, such as using alternative materials or avoiding certain medications altogether.

Other aspects, such as previous blood types or medication history, might provide relevant information, but they do not specifically highlight potential allergic reactions like known allergies do. Family medical history might give insights into genetic predispositions to certain conditions, but it is not directly relevant to preventing immediate allergic reactions during a procedure. Thus, knowing a patient’s allergies is the critical factor in ensuring their safety in a clinical setting.