Venipuncture - 25 Steps

Step 16

Activate safety device and discard into sharps

Step 22

Apply bandage placement if requested

Step 18

Appropriately label tube(s) - name, date, time, medical assistants initials

Step 20

Ask patient to continue holding pressure for 1 minute

Step 21

Check puncture site, has bleeding stopped

Step 23

Clean area and dispose of waste

Step 12

Collects blood in proper draw order

Step 11

Evacuated tubes are pushed into the holder appropriately -does not move needle between tubes

Step 15

Gauze readily available, withdraw needle, cover site with gauze, and ask patient to hold pressure

Step 17

Invert tubes

Step 5

Palpates vein using index finger -go by what you FEEL, not by what you see -tourniquet use is optional

Step 9

Patient's arm positioned properly, anchor vien

Step 10

Perform venipuncture -15-30 degrees -bevel facing upward -needle assembly held appropriately -no crossing over or changing hands

Step 19

Place tubes in transport bag

Step 13

Release tourniquet before last tube

Step 25

Remove gloves, wash hands

Step 14

Remove last collection tube

Step 2

Role playing: approaches patient -identifies themselves to patient -displays positive body language 1. Explains procedures, risks.... 2. Latex allergy? 3. Medications? History of fainting? 4. Fasting? 5. Arm preference? -offers to answer any questions -secures consent

Step 24

Role playing: call light if applicable or assure patient is okay to stand up and leave

Step 1

Role playing: identifies patient -verify order/lab requisition -verify using lab requisition -verify name, spelling, DOB...

Step 6

Select site for venipuncture and cleanse site with alcohol scrub -concentric circles from the inside out -allow venipuncture site to air dry OR one cotton ball, one wipe; dont fan dry -can't touch area after cleansing

Step 3

Selects, organizes, and prepares equipment -gather phlebotomy supplies -assemble tube holder to needle -correct tubes for test(s) ordered

Step 7

Ties tourniquet 3-4 inches above site

Step 8

Uncap and inspect needle for defects

Step 4

Wash hands; put on gloves