what is the procedure for drawing blood

Full Answer

What are the steps in drawing blood?

The World Health Organization

1. Identify The Vein. The first step in drawing blood correctly is to identify the appropriate veins to puncture. ...
2. Gather Supplies. After identifying the site for the blood draw, gather the appropriate supplies needed. ...
3. Venipuncture.

How to draw blood like a pro?

^{How to Draw Blood Like a Pro}

• Prep Your Supplies. One of the most important points to keep in mind is that a safe and effective blood draw begins before the phlebotomist approaches a patient.
• Interact with the Patient. More than an opportunity to display a pleasant bedside manner, interacting with the patient is vital.
• Draw the Blood. Whether the patient is seated or standing, ensure their arm is positioned and prepped effectively. ...
• Stressing Safety, Conclude the Draw. Possible exposure to bloodborne pathogens introduces risk to the drawing and handling of blood. ...
• Your Phlebotomy Career Begins Here. Phlebotomy Career Training can have you drawing blood like a pro in as little as four weeks. ...

How to practice drawing blood?

Tips for Drawing Blood

• Always feel the vein rather than see it! ...
• If the veins are deep and not visibly popping out, use a tourniquet and have the patient lower their arm. ...
• Watch out for rolling veins! ...
• Don’t use a tourniquet if the vein is already visible or “popping out” because the added pressure of the tourniquet may blow the vein (causing the vein to collapse).

More items...

How to draw blood from hard to hit veins?

Using a tourniquet is something most people are used to seeing during difficult blood draws. They are popular because they are so useful. To use a tourniquet to draw blood correctly, you should tie it three or four inches directly above the puncture site. You should never tie it too tightly at first.

How to get a blood draw?

Focus on taking deep, full breaths before getting a blood draw. By focusing on your breathing, you can relieve mental tension and naturally relax your body. Take your headphones and listen to music before and during the draw. This allows you to block out an environment that might otherwise make you feel nervous.

How long does it take to draw blood?

The procedure. The time it takes for a blood draw usually depends upon the amount of blood needed. For example, donating blood can take about 10 minutes, while obtaining a small amount of blood for a sample may take just a few minutes.

How to remove a blood puncture from arm?

Release the tourniquet and remove the needle from the arm, applying gentle pressure with a gauze or bandage to prevent further bleeding. The person drawing blood will likely cover the puncture site with a bandage.

How long should you keep bandage on after a blood draw?

Keep your bandage on for the recommended amount of time (unless you experience skin irritation at the puncture site). This is usually at least four to six hours after your blood draw. You may need to leave it on longer if you take blood-thinning medications.

What is the band around the arm that draws blood?

While the process may vary depending on who is drawing the blood and for what purpose, the person performing the blood draw will follow this general procedure: Ask you to expose one arm, and then place a tight elastic band known as a tourniquet around that limb.

How to avoid feeling light headed after blood work?

Eat a healthy meal before you go. Choosing one with plenty of protein and whole-grain carbohydrates may prevent you from feeling light-headed after giving blood.

Can you insert a needle into a vein?

It’s possible they may have difficulty accessing the vein when they insert the needle. If this is the case, they may need to try another vein. Insert a needle successfully into the skin to access the vein. The needle is usually connected to special tubing or a syringe to collect blood.

How to prepare a patient for a blood draw?

First, introduce yourself and ask for the patient's full name. Double check that the patient's name matches the name on the lab form. Ask if the patient has any allergies or has had any issues or complications during previous blood draws.

What equipment is needed for a blood draw?

Typically, this will include (but, not limited to): Blood collection tubes. Non-sterile gloves. An assortment of needles and syringes of different sizes.

How to puncture a vein?

Be sure to do this before removing the needle from the vein. Slowly withdraw the needle and gently apply pressure to the puncture site with a clean gauze or cotton ball.

How to stop hemolysis in a tube?

Pierce the tube stopper with the needle applying gentle and steady pressure. Be careful to NOT press the syringe plunger to reduce the risk of hemolysis. If the tube does not have a rubber stopper, inject the blood slowly into the tube to minimize pressure and again to reduce the chances of hemolysis.

Why is it important to disinfect the site before drawing blood?

It's important to disinfect the site before drawing blood to reduce the chances of contamination.

What to inspect with the patient's arm extended?

With the patient's arm extended, inspect the antecubital fossa.

What is the dilution of bleach?

For surfaces that won't tolerate a strong bleach, use a 1:100 dilution of 5.25% bleach solution.

Why is it important to draw blood from a patient?

It is important for the phlebotomist to follow a step-by- step procedure to ensure consistency and to make the patient comfortable.

How to collect blood samples?

1. Identify the patient : It is important you make sure the patient’s bracelet matches their paperwork, or that they can provide a bit of personal information such as a birth date. 2.

How to mix a blood sample?

12. Place a tube from your tray into the hub and check for blood flow. Let the tube fill. Once it is filled remove it from the tube holder. 13. Do not shake the tube. Invert it several time (5 to 10 times) to adequately mix the additives with the sample. Repeat steps 12 and 13 until all tubes are filled.

Why is it important for a phlebotomist to follow a step-by-step?

It is important for the phlebotomist to follow a step-by-step procedure to ensure consistency and to make the patient comfortable. Drawing blood, while routine, is a learned skill. The procedure can be hindered by flinching and tenseness caused by either the patient or phlebotomy technician.

What to do if you draw blood from a small child?

If you're drawing blood from a small child, suggest that the child sits in the parent's lap for comfort.

How to insert a blood collection tube?

Insert the blood collection tube onto the holder. Avoid pushing the tube past the recessed line on the needle holder or you may release the vacuum.

How to draw blood with a tourniquet?

To draw blood, the doctor will start by tying a tourniquet around the patient's arm and asking them to make a fist. Then, the doctor will find the patients vein and disinfect the area with an alcohol wipe. Once the area is disinfected, the doctor will pull the patient's skin taut and line the needle up with their vein.

How high should a tourniquet be around a patient's arm?

Decide which arm you will be drawing from or let your patient decide. Tie a tourniquet around the patient's arm about 3" to 4" (7.5cm to 10 cm) above the venipuncture site.

Why do you need a tourniquet after inserting a needle?

After you insert the needle into the vein. Try again! The purpose of a tourniquet is to restrict blood flow so that blood stays in the veins rather than returning to the heart . The extra blood that collects in the vein makes it easier to stick, but it also helps blood vials fill faster. This is too soon to remove the tourniquet.

What to do when a patient is squeaking during a blood draw?

Some patients are squeamish during a blood draw. Encourage the patient not to watch as you insert the needle. Take precautions in case your patient becomes dizzy or feels like fainting. Never let a patient leave until he or she has fully recovered.

How to confirm identity of patient?

Confirm the patient's identity from the wristband or by asking the patient for a name and date of birth. Only month and day of birth is required.

How do you learn to draw blood?

While many hospitals have phlebotomy teams that specialize in blood draws, it’s still a critical skill to have in case of an emergency. Most nursing schools don’t teach phlebotomy due to liability issues, although some organizations do offer standalone courses that you can take for a separate fee. Unfortunately, there’s really not a good way to practice drawing blood except on a live patient (at least until technological advancements result in a reasonably realistic model). Reading articles like this one, watching tutorial videos and observing experienced nurses do blood draws are all important resources that can help new nurses learn to do blood draws. The World Health Organization (WHO) also offers a 125-page guide on the best practices for blood draws if you’re really interested in learning more about the entire process.

Why do nurses draw blood?

Blood tests measure critical variables such as red and white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, blood glucose, calcium, electrolytes, cholesterol and more. Blood tests are used to confirm diagnoses and determine a patient’s risk of developing certain diseases. For example, blood tests are very instrumental in confirming heart disease and diabetes–two very common conditions.

What supplies do you need to draw blood?

Some hospitals offer blood draw kits that contain everything you need to perform a blood draw. However, it’s a good idea to know all of the phlebotomy materials you need in case you have to assemble your own or some parts of the kit are missing. It’s also a good idea to bring backups in case you need to attempt a blood draw a second time. Since this is a sterile procedure, you won’t be able to re-use certain equipment like needles in case of a second attempt.

How do you find a vein?

Finding a vein to venipuncture is both a science and an art. Some locations are easier to stick than others, and the ease of identifying a vein will also vary from patient to patient. Some people have very large veins or veins that rest very close to the surface of their skin, making them easy to find and stick, while others have very small veins or veins that aren’t close to the surface.

What equipment is needed for a blood test?

The equipment required includes: a supply of laboratory sample tubes, which should be stored dry and upright in a rack; blood can be collected in. sterileglass or plastic tubes with rubber caps (the choice of tube will depend on what is agreed with the laboratory); vacuum-extraction blood tubes; or.

Who is required to supervise blood sampling?

Supervision by experienced staff and structured training is necessary for all health workers, including physicians, who undertake blood sampling.

What is a dedicated phlebotomycubicle?

In an outpatient department or clinic, provide a dedicated phlebotomycubicle containing: a clean surface with two chairs (one for the phlebotomist and the other for the patient); a hand wash basin with soap, running water and paper towels; alcohol hand rub.

What is a sterile glass tube?

glass tubes with screw caps; a sterileglass or bleeding pack (collapsible) if large quantities of blood are to be collected; well-fitting, non-sterilegloves; an assortment of blood-sampling devices (safety-engineered devices or needles and syringes, see below), of different sizes; a tourniquet; alcohol hand rub;

Why should all staff be trained in phlebotomy?

All staff should be trained in phlebotomy, to prevent unnecessary risk of exposure to blood and to reduce adverse events for patients.

Why is quality assurance important in phlebotomy?

Quality assurance is an essential part of best practice in infection prevention and control (1). In phlebotomy, it helps to minimize the chance of a mishap. Table 2.1lists the main components of quality assurance, and explains why they are important.

Is phlebotomy a safety device?

However, the use of such devices should be accompanied by other infection prevention and control practices, and training in their use. Not all safety devices are applicable to phlebotomy.

What is the first tube needed for venipuncture?

NOTE: When using a winged blood collection set for venipuncture and a coagulation tube is the first tube needed, first draw a discard tube (plain red top or light blue top). The discard tube does not need to be filled completely.

What is required to be worn during blood collection?

8. A lab coat or gown must be worn during blood collection procedures.

How many times should a patient be stuck by a phlebotomist?

6. A patient should never be stuck more than twice unsuccessfully by a phlebotomist. The Supervisor should be called to assess the patient.

When to dispose of gloves after phlebotomy?

11. Gloves are to be discarded in the appropriate container immediately after the phlebotomy procedure.

Which veins are most commonly used?

The larger median cubital, basilic and cephalic veins are most frequently used, but other may be necessary and will become more prominent if the patient closes his fist tightly.

Can you draw blood from your feet?

It is not recommended that blood be drawn from the feet .The Providers permission is required to draw from this site.

Can a delay in blood transfer cause coagulation?

9. Transfer blood drawn into the appropriate tubes as soon as possible using a Blood Transfer Device, as a delay could cause improper coagulation.

How to speed up blood donation?

Tip: Speed up your donation by completing a RapidPass® online or on the Blood Donor app on the day of your donation.

How long does it take to leave a blood donation?

Refreshment and Recovery. After donating blood, you’ll have a snack and something to drink in the refreshment area. You’ll leave after 10-15 minutes and continue your normal routine. Enjoy the feeling of accomplishment knowing you are helping to save lives.

What type of machine is used to make platelets?

Other types of donations, such as platelets, are made using an apheresis machine which will be connected to both arms.