He previously worked in a high-volume outpatient lab and is currently employed in an acute care hospital and Level III trauma center in downtown Vancouver. Cannula/fistula/heparin lock - hospitals have special policies regarding
these devices. It is not as close to the skin surface as the median cubital and cephalic veins, which poses a greater risk of damage to the median nerve and brachial artery. Elderly patients often have fragile skin and veins that roll quite easily, When a vein rolls, the needle tends to push the vein aside rather than penetrating through. By holding the needle either by the plastic wings or the hub, phlebotomists can achieve a shallower angle, typically 10-15 degrees. An artery has been punctured (characterized by bright red, pulsating blood), A nerve has been nicked (patient may complain of an electrical sensation up and down the limb), A hematoma starts to form (a bubble under the skin starts to rapidly appear at the site), The patient loses consciousness or starts seizing. Too tight of a tourniquet may cause the vein to collapse upon needle insertion. With risk for blood spatter a face shield provides protection. When wearing gloves,
change them between each patient and wash your hands frequently. B. the needle is inserted into the patient's arm EDTA and sodium citrate tubes should still be filled to the marked fill line to ensure a correct blood-to-additive ratio. Observe universal (standard) safety precautions. Ask the patient orcaregiver to state the patients name and date of birth. Needle disposal unit - needles should NEVER be broken, bent, or
recapped. An assortment of needles and syringes of different sizes Tourniquet Alcohol and alcohol swabs Gauze or cotton balls Laboratory forms and blood-specimen labels Transportation bags and sharps container Step 2: Prepping The Patient Once you have the necessary supplies, it's time to ready the patient. The diagram below indicates in green the proper area to use for heel punctures for blood collection: Prewarming the infant's heel (42 C for 3 to 5 minutes) is important to obtain capillary blood gas samples and warming also greatly increases the flow of blood for collection of other specimens. if ( prevIframeHeight != zf_ifrm_ht_nw ) { Avoid prolonged tourniquet application or fist clenching. Last draw - additive tubes in this order: SST (red-gray or gold top). The service requires full JavaScript support in order to view this website. Alcohol not dry in the required amount of time B. Veins less prominent and less filling C. Veins more prominent and easier to puncture D. Blood stop flowing to arteries but not veins A The most common site (s) for the venipuncture procedure is/are the following: INR for patients on warfarin) are often knowledgeable on the veins that are most likely to work. If this is not successful, remove the needle, take care of the
puncture site, and redraw. For most clinical examinations the blood is obtained: The vacuum (evacuated) tube system (vacutainer) requires the following components: The healthcare worker needs essential items for either venipuncture or microcollection. 1. Wayne, PA: Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute; 2008. C. Lancet C. After all specimens have been collected Check the requisition form for requested tests, patient information, and any special requirements. Watch for formation of a hematoma. To prevent hemolysis when performing a venipuncture, the phlebotomist should: 1. Identification errors in pathology and laboratory medicine. Palpate and trace the path of veins with the index finger. Discarding the first set minimizes the effects of any potential additive contamination. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. When using a syringe inserted into the line, blood must be withdrawn slowly to avoid hemolysis. Re-secure the tourniquet to increase venous filling. Mix and label all appropriate tubes at the patient bedside. Cleanse the heel with alcohol prep, then dry with a sterile 22 as alcohol can influence testresults. This seats the bevel into the lumen of the vein, and is also the technique used to insert an IV catheter. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Cap, rotate and invert the microtainer to mix the blood collected. Label the specimens before leaving the patients bedside. Email is the #1 attack vector cybercriminals use to lure you into a malicious website. For an inpatient the nursing staff can be contacted to aid in identification prior to proceeding. Take enough time to assess the vein before beginning the venipuncture procedure. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Squeeze puncture site to promote bleeding. Dispose of items in appropriate containers. This vein can be found along the upper arm to the thumb, but it is commonly drawn from the forearm or antecubital fossa area. This is why a required skill for most phlebotomy jobs is to have excellent people skills with the ability to keep the patient calm during the venipuncture procedure. The fluid may dilute the specimen, so collect from the opposite arm. Capillary specimens are collected in microtainers with colored caps that are used to. Airborne precautions may be considered to provide a level of safety against infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, influenza, and COVID-19. Capillary puncture should not be used. Although the larger and fuller median cubital and cephalic veins of the arm are used most frequently, the basilic vein on the dorsum of the arm or dorsal hand veins are also acceptable for venipuncture. B. collection device Several essential steps are required for every successful collection procedure: Patient comfort. Tip: Patients who need regular bloodwork (e.g. Predict a possible value of the thickness of the soap bubble. D. it is wiped with alcohol, Venipuncture at sites with each of the following could effect the results EXCEPT: When 25.0 mL of 0.500 M H2S04 is added to 25.0 mL of 1.00 M KOH in a coffee-cup calorimeter at 23.50C23.50 ^ { \circ } \mathrm { C }23.50C the temperature rises to 30.17C30.17 ^ { \circ } \mathrm { C }30.17C . D. after needle removal, When drawing blood you should always follow universal ______ This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. D. Butterfly, Before leaving the patient's bedside, you must make sure that: Select the appropriate microtainers for the specimens to be collected. Gas tubes (must warm the site before collecting the specimen), 4. Stop the procedure and remove the needle if: Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 43,712 times. Follow the same procedure as for performing a finger, Order of Draw for a Capillary Puncture: Proper collection of tubes when. Check for timing instructions for drawing the appropriate samples. Follow the procedure as outlined above for greeting and identifying the patient. 7. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If you are using a butterfly, try to retie the tourniquet around the patient's arm to increase pressure and re-establish blood flow. Over time and with several repeated punctures, significant amounts of scar tissue builds up. Change gloves after each patient or when contaminated. 3. IF AN INCOMPLETE COLLECTION OR NO BLOOD IS OBTAINED: Change the position of the needle. What are the gray top containers used for? The upper extremity on the side of a previous mastectomy - test results may be affected because of lymphedema. Stress: May cause transient elevation in white blood cells (WBC's)
and elevated adrenal hormone values (cortisol and catecholamines). Avoid bruising the infant's heel when obtaining blood. Gloves are to be worn during all blood collection procedures, and changed betweenpatient collections. The blood is bright red (arterial) rather than venous. 6. Finger - Usually the third or fourth finger is preferred in adults and children. 4. Remember -- the rst vein found is not always the best vein. Recognize complications associated with the phlebotomy procedure. Although the skill set and procedures may apply to both instances, this content is primarily aimed towards venous blood collection using evacuated tube systems (e.g. If the blood flow is diminished, repeat the capillary PUNCTURE to complete the collection. A face mask reduces risk for blood culture specimen contamination. The maximum number of times an individual should attempt a venipuncture on a patient is two, True or False? wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. If none of these veins work, then the phlebotomists use the hand veins. Tip: When using a butterfly and sodium citrate is the first to be collected in the order of draw, a discard tube must always be filled first to purge the air from the tubing. d.appendChild(f); Never draw from a thrombosed or scarred vein. Compared to the standard blood donation which is about sixteen ounces, one ounce is really small. Adjust the height and swivel the chair to ensure your body is in line with the vein. -hemorrhage/hematoma. Do not use a previous puncture site. This vein lies close to the surface of the skin and there is not a large nerve supply. Guidelines established by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) dictate that a phlebotomist shall not attempt a venipuncture more than two times, and a maximum of three attempts shall be undertaken on a patient. C. the seal is broken This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\n<\/p><\/div>"}, 7 Easy Ways to Figure Out Your Blood Type (With or Without a Test). Also consider adjusting the angle of the needle. Phlebotomy Essentials 5th Edition Chapter 9. While this may be effective in some difficult draws, the risk of a needlestick injury is higher if the patient has a withdrawal reflex and the needle recoils back into your finger. D. Both A and B, A sharps container is identified by its bright ____ color Here phlebotomists will typically choose from three veins: the median cubital vein, the cephalic vein or the basilic vein. This is especially important when collecting EDTA (lavender top) or heparin (green top) tubes. All other items used for the procedure must be disposed of according to properbiohazardous waste disposal policy. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. D. mandates, The most common antiseptic used in venipuncture is: The first step to choosing the right vein is to select the appropriate needle gauge. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If just a routine coagulation assay is the only test ordered, then a single light blue top tube may be drawn. Be sure to dispose of the lancet in the appropriate sharps container. Wipe away the first drop of blood with sterile 22 gauze. The 2nd (index) finger tends to have thicker, callused skin. Remove your gloves and wash your hands. How should you have the patient position their arm after the venipuncture is complete? What should you never do to a site you just cleansed with alcohol? Patient care following completion of venipuncture. Phlebotomy is not a one size fits all; each patient is different and may have their blood drawn at other sites with varying needle sizes. Always thank the patient and
excuse yourself courteously when finished. Puncture no deeper than 2.4mm (approximately 0.1 inches). Whole blood specimens may not be able to be analyzed if microscopic clots are present. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. A warm compress or heel warmer should be used to warm, fingers and heels that are cold, or if a capillary blood gas is being drawn, to. Lippi G, Salvagno GL, Montagnana M, Franchini M, Guidi GC. Two forms of active identification are required. If the patient is sitting in a phlebotomy chair, make sure they are sitting upright with their back against the chair. Kiechle FL. Fill the microtainer tube(s) as needed. 8. The patient who is at ease will be less focused on the procedure. 3. Capillary Specimens may be collected on filter paper and sent to lab for testing for. Venipuncture (sometimes referred to as venapuncture, venepuncture or even venu puncture) is the collection of blood from a vein which is usually done for laboratory testing. Using the smallest acceptable needle size can help reduce the risk of bleeding or hematoma . The sides and the tip of the. } True or False? The recommended order of draw for plastic collection tubes is: First - blood culture bottle or tube (yellow or yellow-black top). Transferring a sample from one collection tube to another or mixing blood from different collection tubes must be avoided. Lines - Drawing from an intravenous line may avoid a difficult venipuncture, but introduces problems. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. The median cubital vein, a superficial vein that forms a connection point between the cephalic and basilic veins of the arm is large, and therefore easier to see and feel. The key elements in labeling are: NOTE: Both of the above MUST match the same on the requisition
form. Apply the tourniquet approximately 4-5 finger-widths above the planned venepuncture site. Patients in these populations are often nervous and may flail their limbs. C. placed in the sharps container Collect drops of blood into the . Avoid bruising the infants heel when obtainingblood. chemistries, serology, immunnology, blood bank. Give an example of each. Collection tubes can vary in size for volume of blood drawn, appropriate to the tests ordered with sample size required, and vary in the kind of additive for anticoagulation, separation of plasma, or preservation of analyte. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 6. By using our site, you agree to our. therapy is usually associated with acidic or alkaline solutions or solutions that have a high osmolarity. The blood is normally drawn from a vein on the top of the hand or from the inside of the elbow. Please enable cookies on your browser and try again. f.style.transition="all 0.5s ease"; 4. All approved lancets utilized at Akron Childrens are for single use and feature, Heel punctures are performed on infants less than 6 months of age, or on, older premature infants who are the approximate size of a full-term 6 month, old. This article was co-authored by Matt Garcia. Fasting, dietary restrictions,
medications, timing, and medical treatment are all of concern and should be noted on the lab requisition. Copyright 2023 - PhlebotomyU | Website Design & SEO by, Phlebotomy: 5 Tips on Finding Difficult Veins. Position the patient with the arm extended to form a straight-line form shoulder to wrist. The essential elements of the requisition form are: Patient's surname, first name, and middle initial. The sides and the tip of the, Select the proper approved lancet: The BD Microtainer Contact-Activated, Lancet 1.5 mm (lavender) is used for glucometers and the BD Microtainer, Contact-Activated Lancet 2.0 mm (blue) is used any time you need more, Prepare the finger by cleaning it with a Chlorhexadine wipe. PST (light green top). Examples of labeled collection tubes are shown below: THE FOLLOWING ARE NEEDED FOR ROUTINE VENIPUNCTURE: Evacuated Collection Tubes - The tubes are designed to fill with a predetermined volume of blood by vacuum. Patient identification is critical for safety. Butterflies are incredibly valuable tools for tackling difficult draws, owing to their precision, shorter shaft length, and maneuverability. You will be redirected once the validation is complete. LTD: Performing a Capillary Puncture Version 7, General Guidelines for a Capillary Puncture: Capillary punctures are ideal for, small children when only a small volume of blood is needed. Allow another large drop of blood to form. iframe.style.height = zf_ifrm_ht_nw; Veins sometimes roll away from the point of the needle and puncture site. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Is the seating comfortable and has the patient been seated for at least 5 minutes to avoid being rushed or confused? Date, time and initials of the phlebotomist must be on the label of EACH tube. Order of draw for multiple tube phlebotomy. What caution should you observe when using a Vacutainer? This information must match therequisition. As a countermeasure, phlebotomists. Observe all applicable isolationprocedures. Wipe away the first drop of blood, which tends to contain excess tissue fluid. 2004;24(4):979-96, vii. Let's take a quick, high-level look at the venipuncture procedure. Second - coagulation tube (light blue top). A. in the region of a hematoma 13. 1. What is the best position to perform venipuncture in? }, false); Certain areas are to be avoided when choosing a site: Extensive scars from burns and surgery - it is difficult to puncture the scar tissue and obtain a specimen. It is large and near the skins surface, making it easier for phlebotomists to see before anchoring the vein. B. Yellow try{ Significant increases can be found in total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total lipids, cholesterol, iron, Affects packed cell volume and other cellular elements. How to Troubleshoot a Difficult Venipuncture. Blood is commonly obtained from the median cubital vein on the anterior forearm. A. just prior to needle insertion -test tubes Avoid trauma and excessive probing. Select the proper approved lancet: The BD Microtainer Contact-Activated. B. Betadine This article has been viewed 43,712 times. The median cubital vein is used the most for its accessibility. Any microtainerscontaining additives should be tapped to dislodge additives from the walls and top. 9. Keep in mind that elderly patients often have fragile veins. What are the helpful hints for finding veins? Additionally, a hematoma may compress the nerve and lead to long-term damage. What is the most common complication of venipuncture? Foot veins are a last resort because of the higher probability of complications. } When storing a blood specimen what temp should it be at 2-8 degrees c If a patient starts to seize during a draw what should you do Stop the draw When should you use a capillary instead of venipuncture A patients veins are inaccessible What can cause a hemolysis in a specimen Shaking a tube vigorously (b) the power developed by the output shaft. Get instant access to our latest tools and our must-read site updates: What Certifications Are Used For Higher Pay For Phlebotomists? What are the red top containers used for? Safely dispose of potentially infectious materials. After assembling the appropriate equipment, follow the next steps to perform a proper venipuncture.
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