Venipuncture site
Where is the antecubital space located?
The inner or front surface of the forearm at the elbow.
What angle is needle when drawing from the arm ?
When drawing from the arm, insert the needle smoothly and quickly at about a 15- to 30-degree angle depending on the depth and position of the vein.
What does the venipuncture site get cleansed with?
Antiseptic wipe (alcohol)
What three things could cause a phlebotomy site to be restricted and unusable?
Fistula
Port
Mastectomy
Lavender tube
Additives, Uses and inversions?
Lavender
Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); removes calcium to prevent blood from clotting
Hematology test
8 inversions
Which vein in the antecubital space is preferred for most blood draws?
Medial cubital vein
tourniquet -release with non dominant hand
What should be avoided after cleaning the site to avoid re-contamination?
Touching the site (even with gloves on)
Blowing on the site
Waving hands over the site
An increase of formed elements of the blood and a decrease of fluid content.
hemoconcentration
Which arm(s) should you always check?
Both
Why is the medial cubical vein the vein of choice?
Less pain for pt and vein is less likely to “roll”
When drawing from the hand angle the needle ?
The correct angle of insertion is lower, about 10 to 15 degrees, as the veins in the hand are smaller and thinner. The bevel of the needle should be facing upward.
anchor the vein how many inches below the puncture location?
anchor the vein by grasping the skin firmly about 2 to 3 inches below the puncture location
What could be the result of leaving a tourniquet on too long?
Hemoconcentration
altered test results
When is the “needle syringe system” best to use?
When only a small amount of blood is needed from a patient with limited options for draw site
Which two other veins can be used if the medial cubital vein is non-palpable or covered with scar tissue?
Cephalic vein
Basilic vein
A small blade with a sharp point used for capillary punctures
lancet
How does a “rolling vein” occur?
the needle pushes the vein over rather than puncturing it as intended
How long should a tourniquet be in place?
＜ one minute
Which needle system should be used if drawing blood from the wrist or hand?
Butterfly method
What are three areas to consider drawing blood from if all veins in the antecubital area are inaccessible?
Hand
Wrist
Foot
The method of acquiring blood from a fingertip or heel.
capillary puncture
What are four other reasons to avoid a site for phlebotomy purposes?
Scar tissue
Injuries
Burns
Wounds
Where should the tourniquet be applied?
3 to 4 inches above the draw site
What is one great risk of drawing blood from a foot?
DVT (deep vein thrombosis)