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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.

Properly identifying the patient by name and date of birth, or medical record number

Assessing the patient and environment before proceeding

Properly completing the lab requisition slip and labels

Considering special needs and different approaches for children and the elderly

Special needs of the psychiatric patient

Verifying order, and deciding on appropriate collection method

Assembling proper (safety!) equipment

Applying tourniquet

Selecting an appropriate site (palpate the site)

Wearing PPE and using Universal Precautions

Properly preparing the site (cleanse the site)

Performing the skin or venipuncture

Recognizing and appropriately intervening with complications

Controlling of bleeding

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

Properly charting procedure into patient record

Practicing infection control

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: 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

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.

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