Procedure 37 — Venous Access: Blood Draw

What is the clinical indication for a blood draw procedure?

Collection of a patient's blood for laboratory analysis.

What must be employed at the start of a blood draw procedure?

Universal precautions.

What should be ready before initiating venipuncture for a blood draw?

All supplies.

Name three possible blood-drawing devices used for a blood draw.

Vacutainer, lab tubes or syringes, and blunt fill needles.

What is placed before scrubbing the venipuncture site for a blood draw?

A venous tourniquet.

What is used to scrub the venipuncture site for a blood draw?

Alcohol or chlorhexidine.

What is inserted into the skin to begin a blood draw, and what happens to the needle?

The IV angiocatheter is inserted, the catheter is advanced, and the needle is withdrawn.

What should remain in place while drawing blood via Vacutainer?

The tourniquet.

What is attached to the catheter hub before withdrawing blood?

The Vacutainer adapter or a syringe.

How is blood withdrawn using the Vacutainer method?

By pushing the lab tubes onto the needle inside the Vacutainer.

Until when should each lab tube be allowed to fill?

Until flow ceases.

How many times should a filled lab tube be rocked to mix the additive?

Eight times, end over end.

What determines the type and number of blood tubes drawn?

The indicated lab testing.

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

Gently remove it and occlude the vein.

What is inserted onto the catheter hub after a blood draw is completed?

The primed IV tubing or saline lock.

What procedure should be referenced for inserting the primed IV tubing or saline lock?

The venous access procedure.

Where are collected blood tubes delivered after the procedure?

To the appropriate individual at the emergency department.

What provider levels can perform a blood draw?

EMT-A and EMT-P.