Procedure 37 - Venous Access: Blood Draw

What clinical indication requires a blood draw?

Collection of a patient's blood for laboratory analysis.

What precautions should be employed for a blood draw?

Universal precautions.

What must be ready prior to initiating venipuncture for a blood draw?

All supplies.

What blood-drawing devices may be selected for a blood draw?

Vacutainer, lab tubes or syringes, blunt fill needles.

What is scrubbed at the venipuncture site before a blood draw?

Alcohol or chlorhexidine.

What should remain in place while drawing blood?

The tourniquet.

What is attached to the catheter hub to withdraw blood?

A Vacutainer adapter or syringe.

How are lab tubes filled during a blood draw?

By pushing them onto the needle inside the Vacutainer; blood should flow easily until flow ceases.

How should filled lab tubes be mixed with additive?

Rock gently end over end eight times.

What determines the type and number of blood tubes drawn?

The indicated lab testing.

What is done with the tourniquet once the blood draw is completed?

Gently remove the tourniquet and occlude the vein.

What is inserted onto the catheter hub after blood draw completion?

Primed IV tubing or a saline lock.

Where should the blood tubes be delivered?

To the appropriate individual at the emergency department.

What provider levels can perform a blood draw per CFD protocol?

EMT-A and EMT-P.