Patient Identification, Assessment, and Site Preparation

Specimen Labels and Blood Collection Lists

Patient I.D. (name, registration, or I.D. number, location, Name of physician or person ordering the test, Tests required

Specimen Labels and Blood Collection Lists

Other pertinent clinical information when appropriate, Specimen Processing and Handling

Arteriovenous Shunt or Fistua

Permanent surgical fusion of an artery and a vein that is typically created to provide access for dialysis.

Heparin or Saline Lock

Catheter or cannula connected to a stopcock or cap with a diaphragm that provides access for administering medications.

Intravenous Site

When a patient has an IV in one arm, try the other arm. If a patient has an IV in both arms, try a capillary puncture if possible

Analgesics

Relieve mild to severe pain - Tylenol, aspirin, etc.

Antibiotic

Kills bacterial microorganisms - Amoxil, ciproflaxin, zithromax, etc.

Anticoagulant

Prevent blood from clotting - Lovenox, heparin sodium, warfarin sodium.

Adhesive Allergy

Some patients are allergic to the glue used in adhesive bandage

Antiseptic Allergy

Occasionally, a patient is allergic to the antiseptic used in skin preparation prior to blood collection

Latex Allergy

This involves a reaction to certain substances in natural rubber latex. Increasing numbers of individuals are allergic to latex

Syncope

The medical term for fainting is syncope, described as a loss of consciousness and postural tone resulting from insufficient blood flow to the brain

Site Selection

The best site for venipuncture is the antecubital fossa of the upper extrem

Capillaries

Are microscopic one cell thick vessels that link arterioles and venules that form a bridge between arteries and veins.

Veins of the arm

Median cubital is the first vein of choice,The cephalic is the second vein of choice. This is the vein used for most obese patients

Veins of the arm

The Basilic vein is the third vein of choice due to the location of the nerves by the vein

Prepare a site for blood collection

Ask the patient to make a fist or open and close his/her hand, Allow the site to air dry, Assemble the needle and tube holder

Blood Collection Equipment

A tourniquet is a device used to make the veins easier to find for venipuncture

Tourniquet

Apply the tourniquet; it should be applied 3-4 inches above the site where the venipuncture will be made.

Tourniquet

Release the tourniquet as soon as the blood is flowing freel