The syringe and needle combination should be the last equipment option that is considered; it is not as safe a choice as the self-contained blood collection systems because it involves more manipulation. However, the phlebotomist may choose to use a syringe to prevent vein collapse if the phlebotomist thinks that the vein is too fragile to withstand the pressure exerted by the vacuum as it pulls blood into the collection tube.
A transfer device aids in the safe transfer of blood from the syringe into blood collection tubes. During blood transfer, do not manually push plunger as this may cause hemolysis of the specimen.