Notes:

Feel Nga igpapa Drawing:

CAPILLARY PUNCTURE EQUIPMENT

• Lancets/Incision Devices

• Micro-Collection containers/microtubes

• Microhematocrit Tubes and Sealant

CAPILLARY BLOOD GAS EQUIPMENT

• CBG collection tubes

• Stirrers

• Magnet

• Plastic Cups

• Microscope Slides

• Warming Devices

The following CLSI-recommended order of draw for capillary specimens takes clotting into consideration:

1.     Blood gas specimen

2.     Slides

3.     EDTA specimens

4.     Other additive specimens

5.     Serum specimens

STEPS IN CAPILLARY PUNCTURE

1. Position the patient

2. Select the puncture site

3. Warm the site if applicable

4. Clean and air-dry the site

5. Prepare equipment

6. Grasp the finger or heel firmly

7. Position the lancet, puncture the site, and discard the lancet

8. Lower the finger or heel, and apply gentle pressure until a blood drop forms

9. Wipe away the first blood drop

10. Fill and Mix the Tubes/Containers in Order of Draw

11. Place gauze, apply pressure and elevate the site

12. Label and prepare specimens for handling and transportation

13. Check the site, and apply a bandage

14. Discard used materials, thank the patient, remove gloves, and sanitize the hands

STEPS IN HEELSTICK PUNCTURE

1. Position the patient

2. Select puncture site

3. Warm the site

4. Clean and air-dry the site

5. Prepare equipment

6. Grasp the heel firmly. Position the lancet, puncture the site, and discard the lancet

7. Lower the heel and apply gentle pressure until a blood drop forms

8. Wipe the first blood drop

9. Fill and mix the tubes/containers in order of draw

10. Place gauze, elevate the heel, and apply pressure

11. Label and prepare the specimen for handling and transport

12. Check the site. Note: do not apply a bandage

PREPARING BLOOD SMEAR

1. Perform capillary puncture

2. Wipe away the first blood

3. Touch a slide the next blood drop

4. Hold the blood drop slide between the thumb and forefinger of the nondominant hand or between the thumb and index finger pointing away from you. With the other hand, rest the second slide in front of the drop at an angle of approximately 30 degrees.

5. Pull the spreader slide back to the edge of the blood drop. Stop it as soon as it touches the drop, and allow the blood to spread along its width.

6. Push the spreader slide away from the drop in one smooth motion, carrying it the entire length and off the end of the blood drop slide

7. Place the drop of blood for the second smear on the spreader slide. Use the slide with the first smear as the spreader slide for the second smear and make it in the same manner as the first one.

8. Place gauze over the wound and ask the patient to apply pressure.

9. Label frosted blood slides by writing the patient information in pencil on the frosted area.

10. Allow the blood films to air-dry, and place them in a secondary container for transport.

11. Check puncture site and apply bandage.

    Note: Do not apply a bandage to the infant.

12. Thank the patient, remove gloves, sanitize the hands, and transport the slides to the lab.