venepuncture, blood culture and cannulation Flashcards
what is ANTT?
aseptic no touch technique - standardised technique for achieving asepsis during invasive procedures
what are blood cultures?
taking venous sample of blood and sending it to microbiology to test for infections resulting in microorganisms in blood
define asepsis?
the absence of bacteria, viruses or microorganisms
what is cannulation?
inserting a small plastic tube into the vein for delivery of fluids or medication
what is venepuncture?
taking a venous blood sample to aid diagnosis and treatment
what does infection mean for the NHS?
5500 deaths and 250000 cases of sepsis costing 2.3bn pounds
how many of the infections are preventable?
30% - the government intends to reduce gram negative bloodstream infections by 50% by 2021
what does the need for surgical ANTT or standard equipment depend on?
the environment, technical challenge and competency
what will a standard procedure be?
uncomplicated, short less than 20 minutes procedure with a small number of key components
handwashing, gloves and cleaning site
what are good veins?
soft, straight, spongy, bouncy, refillable, visible and supported - antecubital fossa as large and palpable
why are cannulas more peripheral?
to avoid joints so they do not become occluded
what will the torniquet do and what should it be?
visualise vessels - latex free, single use and quick
what will happen if the tourniquet is left on for more than a minute?
potassium will start to leak out of vessels and lead to inaccurate results
where should you avoid?
bruised, inflamed and painful areas
fibrosed, sclerosed, hard and thrombosed veins
near bony prominences or areas of flexion
next to infection
tortuous, mobile, thin and fragile veins
compromised or injured limbs
where should be avoided for blood cultures?
site of existing cannula or directly above peripheral cannula
