Phlebotomy

Question 1

What are potential complications of phlebotomy?

Answer 1

Fainting

Bruisung

Haematoma

Phlebitis

Cellulitis

Hypotension

Question 2

What equipment do you collect for phlebotomy?

Answer 2

Tourniquet

Blood collection device

Sample tubes

Gauze

Plaster

Alcohol wipe

Question 3

What things do you do before performing hand hygiene?

Answer 3

Collect equipment

Choose appropriate site (chacking for any contraindications)

Open all packaging for access, assemble the equipment and disinfect the top of blood culture bottles after removing the caps

Question 4

What should you do after the initial washing of hands

Answer 4

Apply tourniquet and select a vein

Cleanse site

Perform hand hygiene again

Question 5

What should you do after washing hands for the second time?

Answer 5

Don gloves

Get your needle (make sure sharps container is close by)

Insert needle into vein (15-30 degrees)

DO NOT SWITCH HANDS (prevents pain, injury, haematoma)

introduce blood collection tube

Release tourniquet after the last tube is drawn

Invert the tube the number of times as directed

Remove needle

Apply firm pressure to puncture site (keep arm straight and you may need to apply a plaster)

Discard equipment

HAND HYGIENE (after exposure to patient body fluids)

Question 6

What are finalising steps after taking the blood from the patient?

Answer 6

Label the specimens, place them in a bag with a fully complete request form in outer pocket while in the presence of the patient

Thank the patient and make sure that they are comfortable

Document the completion of the procedure

Reassess the patient after 30 minutes, 2-4 hours, 48-72 hours depending on procedure