Venipuncture Procedures
Identification
Before venipuncture can be performed, the patient's identity will be verified by their name, birth date, and last four digits of his social security number. This ensures both that the blood is being drawn from the correct person, as well as that results get returned to the correct person after they have been sent to the lab.
Positioning
Once the patient's identity has been verified, the patient's arm will be extended to create a straight line running from her wrist to shoulder. This will allow the best access to select a vein for venipuncture.
Vein Selection
Blood is almost exclusively drawn from the veins and never an artery due to the increase in pressure behind an arterial bloodstream. It is important to avoid taking blood from any burned, scared or bruised areas. If an IV is present, the area of the vein should be below the IV, and never above it.
Tourniquet
Next, a tourniquet is applied three to four inches above the area in which the blood will be drawn. A tourniquet is a piece of material that is tightly wound around the arm to temporarily block the blood flow out of the major veins. This will help make the veins more prominent in the arm, creating an easier stick. A tourniquet should never be applied for more than one minute.
Cleansing
Next, the venipuncture site will be thoroughly cleaned with at least a 70 percent alcohol swab. This will be done in a circular motion moving from the inside of the venipuncture area outwards. The skin should be allowed to fully dry before the needle is inserted. Wet alcohol can create an uncomfortable and unnecessary burning sensation for the patient.
Process
After the area has been cleansed, the appropriate needle will be attached to the hub. A finger will be placed below the puncture site to pull the skin tight. Using a quick but smooth motion the needle will be pushed into the vein. The vacutainer is then placed into the hub of the needle allowing the blood to flow into the container. Vacutainers are test tubes specifically designed for venipuncture. Once the vacutainer is full, it will then be removed from the hub.
Finishing
Before removing a needle, a gauze pad will carefully be placed over the needle to immediately stop the flow of blood once the needle has been removed. Once the bleeding has stopped, a fresh gauze will be placed over the wound and held in place by tape. All blood sample tubes will be labeled as well as initialed.
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