A Blood test is prescribed in most of the blood-related disorders, metabolic disorders and in various infections as well as for the Regular health Check-ups. Whenever a Large amount of blood is required for the tests, venipuncture is done to obtain the blood sample. Venipuncture can be done by two methods:
- Syringe method / Open Method
- Vacutainer method / Closed method
SYRINGE METHOD OF VENIPUNCTURE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BLOOD COLLECTION BY SYRINGE METHOD
- Needle
- Syringe
- Collection vials
- Spirit / Alcohol Swab
- Tourniquet
- Cotton
Needle gauge – For Adults: 20-22 G & For Children: 23-24 G
Check out the blood collection by Capillary puncture
BLOOD COLLECTION BY CAPILLARY PUNCTURE
PROCEDURE OF THE BLOOD COLLECTION BY SYRINGE METHOD
⇒ Firstly ensure that the patient should be in the comfortable position.
⇒ Now decide the amount of blood required and select the appropriate vials or containers according to the tests to be done.
⇒ Now ensure the patient what is to be done.
⇒ Lay the arm of the patient on the table.
⇒ Apply the tourniquet and select the prominent vein of the patient from the antecubital fossa (The Basilic, The Cephalic or The Median Cubital Vein).
⇒ Now, Disinfect the selected site for puncture using the Alcohol swab.
⇒ Assemble needle and syringe, check that it is sharp, unblocked and moving smoothly by passing the air through the syringe. But there should not be any air present in the syringe at the time of blood collection.
⇒ With the left hand, hold the patient’s arm so that the skin over the vein gets tightened and more prominent. Ask the patient to make the fist.
⇒ Take the syringe in right hand, holding with the index finger against the base of the needle, keeping the bevel of the needle to the upper side and push firmly & steadily without any hesitation into the center of the vein.
⇒ The angle between the skin and the needle should not be more than 15°-30°. The moment needle enters the vein, blood flows back into the syringe.
⇒ With your left hand, slightly pull back the piston till the required amount of blood is obtained into the syringe.
⇒ Now, remove the Tourniquet, ask the patient to open the fist and place the cotton swab over the needle and wound. Withdraw the needle slowly, and tell the patient to place a cotton swab over the wound until the blood ceases.
⇒ Carefully Remove the needle from the syringe and gently expel the blood into the appropriate vial or container.
⇒ If anticoagulant is used, gently shake the vials for proper mixing of the blood with the anticoagulant.
VACUTAINER METHOD OF VENIPUNCTURE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE BLOOD COLLECTION BY VACUTAINER METHOD
- Vacutainer Needle
- Vacutainer Holder
- Vacutainer vials/tubes
- Spirit / Alcohol Swab
- Tourniquet
- Cotton
PROCEDURE OF BLOOD COLLECTION BY VACUTAINER METHOD
⇒ Firstly ensure that the patient should be in the comfortable position.
⇒ Now Assemble the vacutainer holder & needle by inserting short end of the vacutainer needle which is covered with the rubber coating into the threaded end of the holder. Screw it tightly using a clockwise motion.
⇒ Now ensure the patients what is to be done.
⇒ Lay the arm of the patient on the table.
⇒ Apply the tourniquet and select the prominent vein of the patient from the antecubital fossa (The Basilic, The Cephalic or The Median Cubital Vein).
⇒ Now, Disinfect the selected site for puncture using the Alcohol swab.
⇒ With the right hand, Grasp the vacutainer unit (Vacutainer holder+needle) and remove the translucent plastic cover from the needle.
⇒ With the left hand, hold the patient’s arm so that the skin over the vein gets tightened and more prominent. Ask the patient to make the fist.
⇒ Place the needle bevel up in the line with the vein, decrease the angle of the needle until it is almost parallel to the skin surface direct the needle towards the vein and pierce the skin and vein wall at approximately at 15°-30° angle.
⇒ Hold the unit & needle steady with your left hand. If the unit and needle are not held steady while pushing in the tube, the needle may slip out of the vein or puncture the opposing vein wall.
⇒ Place the tips of the index and middle fingers of the right hand behind the flange of the vacutainer holder. Push the tube all the way into the holder with your thumb until the needle completely punctures the rubber stopper of the vacutainer tube.
⇒ If the needle is in the vein, the vacuum will draw the blood into the tube.
⇒ When the required amount of the blood obtained, carefully pull the tube downwards, off the tube end of the needle and out of the holder. If more than one specimen is needed, push another tube into the holder. Continue exchanging the tubes until the required no. and amount of blood is obtained for analysis.
⇒ Now Instruct the patient to relax and unclench the fist and release the tourniquet after the required amount of blood is obtained as per the tests to be done and prepare to withdraw the needle.
⇒ Place the cotton swab over the needle and wound, Withdraw the needle smoothly & quickly and immediately apply firm manual pressure over the venipuncture site with the cotton swab, keeping the patient’s arm extended. This aid in the prevention of bruising and edema formation.
⇒ Instruct the patient to apply the pressure over the wound until the blood ceases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is venipuncture?
Venipuncture is a medical procedure that involves collecting blood from a vein using a needle and syringe.
Why is blood collected by venipuncture?
Venipuncture is typically performed by a trained healthcare professional, such as a phlebotomist, nurse, or physician.
What are the different types of veins used for venipuncture?
The most commonly used veins for venipuncture are the median cubital vein, the basilic vein, and the cephalic vein.
What is the recommended needle gauge for venipuncture?
The recommended needle gauge for venipuncture is typically between 20 and 22 gauge.
What are the steps involved in performing venipuncture?
The steps involved in performing venipuncture include preparing the patient, selecting the appropriate vein, applying a tourniquet, cleaning the site with antiseptic, inserting the needle, and collecting the blood.
How long should the tourniquet be applied during venipuncture?
The tourniquet should be applied for no longer than one minute during venipuncture to avoid venous stasis and hemolysis.
How can pain and discomfort be minimized during venipuncture?
Pain and discomfort during venipuncture can be minimized by using a smaller needle gauge, using a topical anesthetic, and applying pressure to the site after the procedure.
What are the potential risks and complications of venipuncture?
The potential risks and complications of venipuncture include bleeding, hematoma, infection, nerve damage, and fainting.
What should be done if a patient faints during venipuncture?
If a patient faints during venipuncture, the healthcare professional should immediately remove the needle and syringe, lower the patient’s head and legs, and provide oxygen if necessary.
How should the blood samples be stored and transported after collection?
Blood samples should be stored in appropriate containers and transported in a timely manner to the laboratory for testing.
What should be done with the used needles and syringes after venipuncture?
Used needles and syringes should be disposed of in a designated sharps container to prevent accidental needlesticks and transmission of bloodborne pathogens.
Can venipuncture be performed on patients with medical conditions or taking medications
Yes, venipuncture can be performed on patients with medical conditions or taking medications, but the healthcare professional should take extra precautions and consider any potential risks or complications.
What should be done if a patient experiences excessive bleeding or hematoma after venipuncture?
If a patient experiences excessive bleeding or hematoma after venipuncture, pressure should be applied to the site and the healthcare professional should monitor the patient for signs of further bleeding or infection.
Can venipuncture be performed on children?
Yes, venipuncture can be performed on children, but it may require additional support and comfort measures to minimize pain and anxiety.
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