Venepuncture – how to take blood
http://geekymedics.com/2011/03/26/venep ... ake-blood/
Introduction
Introduce yourself
Confirm patient details
Explain procedure
Gain consent
Wash hands
Equipment
Gather the following items:
Needle
Barrel
Vacutainer bottles
Tourniquet
Alcohol swab
Cotton wool
Tape
It’s often wise to bring 2 needles, barrels, bottles & swabs in case you fail first time
Procedure
1. Ensure the patient is lying or sitting comfortably - place a pillow under the arm if possible
2. Apply tourniquet – avoid nipping the patients skin
3. Palpate a vein:
The antecubital fossa is usually the best place to go
Go for a straight vein you can feel – ideally should have a springy feeling
Avoid areas where veins are joining together
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4. Put on gloves
5. Clean the area with an alcohol swab in a circular motion – 30 seconds
6. Screw the needle into the barrel
7. Unsheathe the needle
8. Anchor the vein from below with your non-dominant hand
9. Warn the patient of a “sharp scratch”
10. Insert the needle through the skin at 20-40 degrees - ensure bevel is upwards
11. You should feel a slight “give” as the needle enters the vein
12. Lower the needle & anchor the barrel firmly to the skin
13. Attach the required amount of vacutainer bottles
14. It’s essential to keep the barrel held firm & still whilst changing bottles!
15. Remove the tourniquet - this is very easy to forget, make sure you don’t!
16. Remove the needle carefully & place immediately in a sharps bin
17. Once the needle is out press down on the site with some cotton wool
18. Tape the cotton wool to the patients arm
19. Dispose of the equipment in the clinical waste bin
To complete the procedure…
Thank the patient
Wash hands
Fill out patient details on the vacutainer bottles at the bedside
Send the vacutainer bottles to the lab for testing
What if I fail my first attempt?
Don’t panic! – this is common and not the big deal you’ll feel it is
Try again:
Get some new equipment
Try another part of the vein, or another vein entirely
If you fail again ask someone else to try - don’t let it get you down, it’s not a big deal
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DO NOT
Continue trying to get blood
Re-use the same equipment
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