Outpatient facilities use a blood-drawing station for venipuncture.
Venipuncture is the process of taking a sample of blood from a vein. It is done to withdraw a specimen of blood for laboratory testing, instill a medication or start an IV infusion. Venipuncture is the most routinely used invasive medical procedure. It is performed by a phlebotomist, medical laboratory technicians or nurses in outpatient laboratories, doctors offices or hospitals.
Instructions
Getting Started
1. Have your supplies well stocked and set up before starting.
Greet the patient, identify yourself and explain the procedure you will be performing. Identify the name and birth date of the patient and ask him whether he has any allergies to alcohol or iodine. Have him sit in the venipuncture chair or, if he is lying down, ensure that he is in a comfortable position.
2. Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap and put on latex-free gloves. Access both arms of the patient to identify the best site to perform the venipuncture. The large veins on the inside of the elbow are the ones most frequently used. If this is not possible you can also use the outside of the forearm or the back of the hand.
3. Be courteous and thank your patient when you have finished.
Wrap the tourniquet around the arm about 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) above the venipuncture site. Have him make a fist and feel with your index finger for the best site. Once you have chosen the site, cleanse the area with alcohol or iodine. Cleanse in a circular motion, beginning at the site and working outward. Do not retouch the area. Allow the area to air dry. Check your tubes and equipment for defects and proper labeling while the area is drying.
4. Hold the patient's arm firmly with your thumb and index finger 1 to 2 inches above and below the site to anchor the vein. Insert the needle quickly, bevel (opening) side up at a 15- to 30-degree angle. Keeping the needle as stable as possible, connect the first tube into the needle. Once the blood starts to flow adequately into the tube, you may remove the tourniquet and have the patient release his fist. Allow the tubes to fill completely. If multiple specimens are to be drawn, remove the first tube and carefully insert the next tube, keeping the needle in the vein as stable as possible. Immediately after each tube is filled and pulled from the needle it should be inverted five to eight times, gently mixing the blood.
5. When the last tube is filled, remove the needle from his arm using a swift backward motion. Immediately apply a clean gauze pad and ask him to apply pressure for two minutes. When the bleeding stops, apply fresh gauze and tape or a bandage and inform him to keep it on for at least 15 minutes.
6. Dispose of needles in the proper OSHA-acceptable container. Gather any contaminated materials or supplies, including the disposable glove you are wearing, and dispose of them in the appropriate containers. Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and clean the area with a 10 percent solution of bleach and water.
