Blood collection

                                         Blood collection

Ø Venipuncture is the collection of blood from a vein. As a general rule, arm veins are the best
source from which to obtain blood. It may become necessary to use hand or foot veins when the arms
are bandaged or have been punctured repeatedly and are sore.

                                    Venipuncture Site Selection

Ø Choosing an appropriate site for venipuncture is crucial to the success                of the
procedure. Veins most often considered for use during venipuncture include the medial cubital vein,
cephalic vein, and basilic vein.







                                           Phlebotomy 1
                                          Venipuncture 1

Selecting/organizing the needed supplies/equipment

Ø  Needle and needle holder

Ø  Vacutainer® tubes--The tests needed will determine what tubes will need to be selected

Ø  Tourniquet

Ø  Gloves

Ø  Alcohol prep pad, gauze and bandage





                                           Phlebotomy 2
                                          Venipuncture 2

Ø   Tourniquet Application

Ø   Apply the tourniquet about midway between the elbow and shoulder and have the patient make a
fist

Ø   The tourniquet must be applied with enough tension to compress the vein

Ø   Tie the tourniquet so that one end is hanging, so that that end may be pulled when it is time
to release the tourniquet



                                           Phlebotomy 3
                                          Venipuncture 3

   Position the patients arm so that the phlebotomist may select a suitable vein. Once the vein has
been selected, clean the area with an alcohol prep pad and allow the site to air dry. Note: The
vein will feel like an elastic tube that "gives" under the pressure of your finger



                                           Phlebotomy 4
                                          Venipuncture 4

Ø   Performing the venipuncture
Attach sterile needle to needle holder and place the tube inside the holder

Ø   With the other hand, fix the vein in place

Ø   Introduce the needle into the vein with the bevel up and at about a 15 degree angle with the
skin. Puncture the skin with a clean, smooth motion.

Ø   When the needle is in the vein, push the Vacutainer® tube onto the retractable sheath. This
will allow the blood to flow into the tube.

Ø   After all tubes have been collected, release the tourniquet FIRST, then withdraw the needle
from the vein. Using gauze, apply pressure to the site to stop the bleeding. Cover site with a
bandage.



                                         Blood collection

Ø  We can use:

Ø  not only venous blood, but capillary blood also

Ø  standard syringe and needle, or special test tubes – SARSTEDT, VACUTAINER



                                        SARSTEDT test tubes