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
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
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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