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The Steps of Blood Collection: 

 

Phlebotomy Safety

Have you ever heard the phrase: "Phlebotomy safety means sticking to good practices!". If not, it definitely is something you should make your own motto! To help you remember, below is a general outline of the steps to follow when preparing and performing a venipuncture blood draw. Though these steps are generally followed in the order given, however, some may happen simultaneously with others.

 
blood drop  Properly identifying the patient by name and date of birth, or medical record number
blood drop  Assessing the patient and environment before proceeding
blood drop  Properly completing the lab requisition slip and labels
blood drop  Considering special needs and different approaches for children and the elderly
blood drop  Special needs of the psychiatric patient
blood drop   Verifying order, and deciding on appropriate collection method
blood drop  Assembling proper (safety!) equipment
blood drop  Applying tourniquet
blood drop  Selecting an appropriate site (palpate the site)
blood drop  Wearing PPE and using Universal Precautions
blood drop  Properly preparing the site (cleanse the site)
blood drop  Performing the skin or venipuncture
blood drop  Recognizing and appropriately intervening with complications
blood drop  Controlling of bleeding
blood drop  Properly obtaining, handling, and labeling specimens:
Patient’s first and last name
Unique patient ID number
Date and time specimen was collected
Identity of the phlebotomist who collected the specimen
blood drop  Properly charting procedure into patient record
blood drop  Practicing infection control
blood drop  Maintaining specimen integrity during transit
 

 

Venipuncture Technique Video 
 
Watch this phlebotomy instructor's venipuncture lecture! No matter which venipuncture technique you prefer there are a number of steps that should be followed carefully and meticulously when collecting blood. 

Click here!  
attention ATTENTION: Please realize that this video (published from YouTube) is NOT HERE TO TEACH you phlebotomy techniques, but merely to show you different scenarios of the phlebotomist's daily routine. The video may contain techniques, or procedures that do not conform to proper, and safe venipuncture protocol. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.


Regulating agencies (OSHA, Department of Transportation) require specimen packaging to include the following: 
A watertight primary receptacle 
A secondary receptacle which is watertight and contains a biohazard label 
Absorbent material placed between the primary and secondary receptacles 
Sturdy outside packaging of corrugated cardboard, wood, metal, or plastic 

Visit: Lab Tests Online Collecting the Blood. 


OSHA has developed this Information Regarding the Disposal of Contaminated Needles and Blood Tube Holders Used for Phlebotomy to provide relevant information regarding OSHA’s policy on the prohibition of contaminated needle removal from medical devices. OSHA wants sharps containers to ensure that wherever blood is being drawn the sharps container is appropriate for immediate disposal of sharps, including SESIP. The following linked Safety and Health Information Bulletin outlines OSHA requirements during disposal of contaminated needles or sharps: Disposal of Contaminated Needles and Blood Tube Holders Used for Phlebotomy* 

*This Safety and Health Information Bulletin is not a standard or regulation. It creates no new legal obligations. The Bulletin is advisory in nature.