Here's a breakdown of how to cite sources commonly used in phlebotomy, using a few popular citation styles:
Common Source Types & Citation Examples:
* Textbooks:
* Example (APA): Bishop, M. L., Fody, E. P., & Schoeff, L. E. (2020). *Clinical chemistry: Principles, techniques, and correlations.* Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
* Example (MLA): Bishop, Michael L., Edward P. Fody, and Larry E. Schoeff. *Clinical Chemistry: Principles, Techniques, and Correlations*. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2020.
* Journals:
* Example (APA): Smith, J. D., & Jones, A. B. (2023). Improved technique for venipuncture in elderly patients. *Journal of Phlebotomy*, *15*(2), 45-52. https://doi.org/xxxxxxxxx (replace with actual DOI)
* Example (MLA): Smith, J. D., and A. B. Jones. "Improved Technique for Venipuncture in Elderly Patients." *Journal of Phlebotomy*, vol. 15, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45-52. https://doi.org/xxxxxxxxx (replace with actual DOI)
* Websites:
* This is trickier and requires careful evaluation of the source's credibility. Only use reputable websites from professional organizations, government agencies, or well-established medical institutions.
* Example (APA): American Society for Clinical Pathology. (2023). *Phlebotomy best practices*. Retrieved from [insert website URL here]
* Example (MLA): "Phlebotomy Best Practices." *American Society for Clinical Pathology*, [Date Accessed], [insert website URL here].
* Manufacturer's Instructions:
* Example (APA): BD. (2023). *BD Vacutainer® Safety-Lok™ blood collection set instructions*. [Location: Manufacturer's website or packaging]
* Example (MLA): BD. *BD Vacutainer® Safety-Lok™ blood collection set instructions*. [Location: Manufacturer's website or packaging], 2023.
Important Considerations:
* Choose a style guide and stick to it: Your instructor or publication will specify which style to use (APA, MLA, AMA, etc.). Inconsistency is a major problem.
* Accuracy: Double-check all information (author names, dates, titles, URLs).
* Completeness: Include all necessary elements for each citation.
* Consistency: Maintain a consistent format for all entries in your bibliography/works cited page.
* Use a citation manager: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can greatly simplify the process of managing and formatting citations.
* Plagiarism: Always properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism. Paraphrasing without attribution is still plagiarism.
Before submitting any work, carefully review your citations to ensure accuracy and consistency with the chosen style guide. If you are unsure, consult your instructor or a style guide manual.