Nurses draw blood to perform a series of medical tests. This article will teach you how professionals draw blood from patients.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Prepare the Blood Draw
Step 1. Take all precautions in favor of the patient
Take note of the information on the medical record or chart hanging on the edge of the patient's bed. Respect the restrictions of isolation and make sure that the patient has fasted for the right period of time, if the blood test requires it.
Step 2. Introduce yourself to your patient
Tell him what you are going to do and that you draw his blood.
Step 3. Wash and disinfect your hands
Put on your sanitary gloves.
Step 4. Check patient information
- Verify that the prescription is printed with the patient's name, medical record number and date of birth.
- Make sure the prescription and labels exactly match the patient's identity.
- Confirm the patient's identity from the bracelet or ask him for his name and date of birth directly.
Step 5. Prepare the tools
You should have in front of you: blood collection tubes, tourniquet, cotton balls, bandage tape or gauze, and alcohol wipes. Make sure your blood tubes and blood culture bottles have not expired.
Step 6. Choose the appropriate needle
The type of needle you choose depends on the patient's age, physical characteristics and the amount of blood you need to draw.
Method 2 of 4: Find a Vein
Step 1. Have the patient sit in a chair
The chair must have an armrest to support his arm, but it shouldn't have wheels. Make sure your arm isn't bent. If the patient is lying down, place a pillow under the arm for additional support.
Step 2. Decide which arm you will sample from or let the patient decide
Tie a tourniquet around the patient's arm about 7.5 to 10 cm above the puncture site.
Step 3. Ask the patient to make a fist
Avoid asking him to pump his fist.
Step 4. Trace the patient's veins with the index finger
Touch the vein with the index finger to promote dilation.
Step 5. Disinfect the area you are about to puncture with an alcohol wipe
Make a circular motion and avoid dragging the ball across the same piece of skin twice.
Step 6. Let the disinfected area dry for 30 seconds so that the patient does not feel the sting when the needle is inserted
Method 3 of 4: Perform a Blood Draw
Step 1. Check if the needle has any defects
The end point should not have any obstructions or hindrances that restrict blood flow.
Step 2. Thread the needle into the holder
Use the needle sheath to secure it.
Step 3. Tap the tube and needle holder to loosen any additives from the instrument panel walls
Step 4. Insert the tube into the holder
Avoid pushing it beyond the recess line on the needle holder or you may lose the vacuum inside.
Step 5. Press the patient's arm as tightly as possible
The thumb should pull the skin about 2.5 to 5 cm below the puncture site. Make sure the patient's arm is tilted slightly downwards to avoid reflux.
Step 6. Align the needle with the vein
Make sure the bevel is on top.
Step 7. Insert the needle into the vein
Push the tube towards the holder up to the tip of the needle and pierce the cap on the tube. Make sure the tube is below the sampling point.
Step 8. Let the tube fill
Remove the tourniquet and discard it as soon as there is sufficient blood flow in the tube.
Step 9. Remove the tube from the holder when the blood flow stops
Mix the contents if the tube contains additives by inverting the tube 5 to 8 times. Do not shake it vigorously.
Step 10. Fill the remaining tubes until you have completed your collection
Step 11. Ask the patient to open his hand
Place a piece of gauze over the puncture site.
Step 12. Remove the needle
Place the gauze over the puncture and apply gentle pressure to stop the bleeding.
Method 4 of 4: Stop the Blood Flow and Clean the Area
Step 1. Activate the safe release of the needle and throw it in the appropriate container
Step 2. Secure the gauze tape at the puncture site when the bleeding has stopped
Ask the patient to hold the gauze for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3. Label the tubes in front of the patient
Chill the samples if necessary.
Step 4. Dispose of all waste and put the material away
Clean the armrest of the chair with disinfectant wipes.
Advice
- It is best to let the patient hold something in the other hand so as to shift his or her attention away from the needle being inserted into the vein.
- Some patients are agitated during a blood draw. Tell them not to look when you insert the needle. Take precautions in case your patient gets dizzy or feels faint. Never leave a patient alone until they have fully recovered.
- If you are taking a blood sample from a small child, suggest that the child sit on the parent's lap for added comfort.
- Make sure you don't have artificial nails when you draw blood. Natural nails should be no longer than 3mm.
Warnings
- Avoid leaving a tourniquet on a patient's arm for more than 1 minute.
- Never try to draw blood more than twice. If the procedure cannot be completed, consult a doctor.
- Follow precautionary procedures if any of your instruments are stained with blood or if you or your patient are stung with a contaminated needle.
- Consult a doctor if you cannot stop the bleeding from the puncture site.
