Question

list all the steps for specimen collection by venipuncture

Answer 1

STEPS FOR SPECIMEN COLLECTION BY VENIPUNCTURE :

• Before starting the procedure it is very important to know about the patient and their medical history (e.g, haemophilia).
• Cross check with the patient, their full name, age and gender.
• Check the tests ordered by the doctor and accordingly use the color coding in the vacutainer.
• Provide sitting or supine position to the patient and advice to stretch the arm.
• Follow 6 steps of handwashing in order to prevent cross infection.
• Select the site of vein puncture from where the blood is collected, median cubital vein is the common site.
• Place a tourniquet above the puncture site atleast 3 - 4 inch above.
• Wearing gloves is adviced in order to prevent from any contact with blood and body fluids, and place the tip of the fingers in the veins and palpate it.
• Advice the patient to make a fist in order to make the veins prominent.
• After the selection of veins, using index and middle finger hold the sterilised cotton balls which is dipped in antiseptic solution, clean the puncture area in a circular motion.
• Gently grasp the skin and pull it backin order to restrain the movement of vein and insert the needle into the lumen of the vein with the angle 15 - 30 degree with the arm surface.
• You need to keep an eye on the vacutainer as you need to remove the tourniquet before the vacutainer fills.
• After removal of the vacutainer, place the cotton ball or gauge at the puncture site and press the site for atleast 1 - 2 minutes, after that you can apply fresh sterilised band aid.
• Dispose the needle and the used cotton balls at the suitable bins as per the hospital color coding.
• Wash hands and document.