Doctors, nurses, lab personnel, or phlebotomists need to be able to draw blood quickly and cleanly.Many venipunctures are routine, but there may be some difficult veins.Below you'll find useful information and techniques on hitting those veins.
Step 1: Make sure the tourniquet is applied correctly.
A tourniquet increases the amount of blood in the vein.The circulation should not be cut off by the tourniquet.The arm should be four inches above the vein.The inflated blood pressure cuff works well.
Step 2: A warm pack or water bottle is needed.
Warmth dilates the patient's veins and makes them easier to see.
Step 3: Proper palpation techniques can be used.
You should palpate the arm instead of hitting it.Slapping the skin can result in a hematoma.You can look for a vein by using your index finger.Don't use your thumb as it has its own pulse.The warm pack or water bottle needs to be put on the area.The area should be wiped clean after it is touched.The warm pack or water bottle shouldn't be applied to the skin.Wrap it in a towel.It is too hot if it hurts.
Step 4: The patient can be told to relax.
A lot of people have needle phobias and are afraid of needles.Stress makes the veins hard to hit and it could affect the test results.Explain to your patient that the pain is very small.Your patient should try visualization and deep breathing.If you think your patient might faint, have them lie down on their back.They will have better blood flow to their head.If they do pass out, it reduces their chances of falling.
Step 5: Patient information should be verified.
Check the patient name, date of birth and reason for blood draw to make sure no mistakes are made.Mislabeling could lead to problems down the line.
Step 6: Look for the vein.
The inside of the elbow is the best location because the median vein is easy to see.A blue bulge in the inside of your elbow may be the result of the median cubital vein running between the muscles.It can be felt if it can't be seen.The tissue around it prevents it from rolling away from the needle, making it easy to access.You don't want to draw blood from a place where your veins join together.It increases the risk of bleeding.
Step 7: It's a good idea to Disinfect the area.
70 percent alcohol is a common disinfectant.For a half a minute, wipe an area that is at least two centimeters in diameter.It will have dried after a few minutes.If the iodine gets into the blood it can alter the values the lab is looking for.Follow it with a 70% alcohol swab if you do use it.The needle should be dry before it is inserted.If you blow on or fan it, it will ruin the area.
Step 8: The venipuncture should be performed.
Pull the skin below the vein taut.This will stop the vein from rolling.Hold the needle at a 15 to 30 degree angle while you collect blood.Following the order of draw, fill the collection tube with blood.After 1 minute, remove the needle from the tourniquet.The concentration of red blood cells can be changed by leaving the tourniquet on for longer than a minute.The pain will come from withdrawing the needle while the tourniquet is still on.
Step 9: 5 minutes after the needle is out, apply pressure to the puncture area.
Step 10: Dispose of the needle in a container.
Step 11: To make sure the tube is accurate, double check it.
Step 12: If the median vein isn't visible, look for another vein.
If you can't find the vein in the elbow, look for another one.The basilic vein can be seen if you move down the forearm.The veins can be seen through the skin.The patient should lower their arm and make a fist to show their veins.There is a vein running along the side of the forearm.The ulnar side has a basilic vein.The basilic vein is less used than the cephalic.It is more likely to roll away from the needle if it is not tightly held by the tissues around it.The metacarpal veins can be found on the back of the hands.They can be palpated.They should not be used for elderly patients because the skin is not as supple as it could be.The veins are more fragile.
Step 13: You should notice sites to avoid.
Don't draw blood from areas that are near an infection, have a healed burn, or are bruised.
Step 14: Correct placement of needles.
Sometimes, you may have problems with the needle, such as going too far into the tissues or placing it too low of an angle, which can affect blood flow.Don't remove the needle from the skin.The angle of the needle should be changed so that it can be inserted into the vein.
Step 15: If your second attempt fails, give up and have a colleague do the procedure.
phlebotomists are required to attempt a venipuncture two times and to have another person do it if both attempts are unsuccessful.