Blood tests are typically performed by nurses and phlebologists to perform various medical tests. This article will teach you how professionals perform blood tests on their patients.
Prepare for the blood test
Pay attention to the precautions to take with your patient. Check their personal information sheet at the foot of the bed or in their file. Check for any restrictions, and if the blood test requires fasting, make sure the patient has not eaten beforehand.
Introduce yourself to your patient. Explain the reason for this test and what you will do with their blood samples.
Introduce yourself to your patient. Explain the reason for this test and what you will do with their blood samples.
Review the patient's prescription.
- Check that the prescription includes the patient's name, medical record number and date of birth.
- Make sure the prescription and labels are in the patient's name.
- Confirm their identity using their bracelet or by asking for their name and date of birth.
Assemble your medical supplies. Make sure the blood culture tubes and bottles are not expired.
Choose the appropriate needle. This depends on the patient's age, physical characteristics, and the amount of blood you will be drawing.
Find a vein
Have the patient sit in a chair. It should have an armrest to support the patient's arm, but no casters. Make sure their elbow is not bent. If they are lying down, place a pillow under their arm for better support.
Choose which arm you will inject or ask your patient. Attach a tourniquet around the arm about 8 cm or 10 cm above the vein.
Ask him to make a fist and avoid clenching it.
Run your index finger over the vein. Gently tap it to encourage dilation.
Disinfect the area where you will insert the needle with an alcohol wipe. Use circular motions and avoid going over the same area twice with the wipe.
Wait 30 seconds for the alcohol to dry so the patient doesn't feel a burn when you prick them.
Take the blood test
Check that your needle is free of defects. The tip should not be blocked, as this could reduce blood flow.
Insert the needle into the holder. Use the needle guard to insert the needle securely.
Tap all tubes containing additives to dislodge them from the walls.
Insert the blood collection tube into the holder. Avoid pushing the tube past the limit line marked on the holder to avoid creating an air gap.
Grab the patient's arm. Your thumb should hold the skin taut about 3 to 5 cm below the point where you insert the needle. Keep the patient's arm tilted slightly downward to prevent blood flow back.
Align the needle with the vein. Make sure it is at an oblique angle.
Insert the needle into the vein. Push the tube into the holder until the tip of the needle pierces the vein plug. Make sure the tube is below the area you are puncturing.
Allow the tube to fill. Release the tourniquet as soon as there is sufficient blood in the tube.
Remove the tube from the holder when blood stops flowing. Mix the contents if the tube contains additives by inverting the tube 5 to 8 times. Do not shake the tube vigorously.
Fill the other tubes until there is enough sample, as requested on the prescription.
Ask the patient to open their hand. Place gauze over the puncture.
Remove the needle. Using the gauze, apply gentle pressure to stop the flow of blood.
Stop the bleeding and clean the skin
Disable the needle safety device and dispose of it in a special container for medical equipment.
Dab the vein with gauze once the bleeding has stopped. Ask the patient to keep the dressing on for at least 15 minutes.
Label the tubes in front of the patient. Refrigerate them if necessary.
Dispose of all trash and put away your equipment. Clean the chair armrest with disinfectant wipes.
Advice
- Some patients are very sensitive to blood draws. Ask them not to look at the needle while you insert it. Take precautions in case your patient becomes unwell or faints. Never let a patient leave until they are fully recovered.
- Have the patient hold onto something with their free hand rather than focusing on the needle.
- If you are taking blood from a child, it is best if the child sits on their parents' lap for comfort.
- Make sure you are not wearing false nails when having blood drawn. Your nails should not be longer than 3mm.
Tags
Human Medicine