Posted on October 14th, 2022.

Knowing the procedure or process when drawing blood is the first step to ensuring that health workers have carried out the procedure correctly and the phlebotomy (blood draw) process runs smoothly. The patient’s safety and comfort is, therefore, guaranteed.

Phlebotomy Preparation

Health workers prepare the tools and equipment, wash hands and wear gloves. Please always check that new gloves are worn and changed frequently when handling new patients.

Identification

The patient will be asked for personal identification. Answer the questions clearly and correctly to prevent the sample and form from being completed incorrectly.

Checking and confirming the form for a medical examination request.

Health workers will read aloud the completed medical examination form. Listen and make sure no tests are missed to prevent re-drawing of blood due to insufficient samples.

Labeling a patient’s identity on the sample tube.

A barcode or label containing the patient’s identity will be attached to the sample tube. Make sure that the identity on the label contains the correct information to prevent sample confusion and data entry errors.

Proper Hand Positioning and Tourniquet Placement

A tourniquet is applied to ease health workers when finding a vein as a location for blood collection. The tourniquet should not be in place for more than 1 minute. Remind health workers if the tourniquet still in place for more than 1 minute after application. If you are uncomfortable because you have sensitive skin, ask for the tourniquet to be placed over the clothes.

Sterile and New Needle Insertion

Make sure the health workers use a sterile needle that has been freshly removed from its packaging.

Cleaning The Blood Collection Area

Make sure health workers clean the skin of the blood collection area with 70% alcohol with the spiral direction pointing outward to prevent contamination and infection. Ensure that the cleaned area is allowed to dry for 30 seconds so as not to cause pain when the alcohol comes into contact with the puncture site.

Blood Draw

Health workers will insert the needle at a 30-degree angle. Inhaling when the needle is injected can reduce pain. The appropriate tube will be filled with samples according to the volume limit of the tube and those that have been filled will be inverted to mix with additional substances in the tube.

Removing the needle and closing the blood draw.

he blood collection area is covered with gauze and a plaster to prevent bleeding. The use of cotton is not recommended because it can stick to the puncture area.

Source