Venepuncture, Blood Cultures & Cannulation Flashcards
What is meant by ‘venepuncture’?
the process of taking a venous blood sample to aid diagnosis and treatment
What is meant by ‘cannulation’?
the process of inserting a small plastic tube into a vein
this can be used to deliver fluids or medication
What is meant by ‘blood cultures’?
the process of taking a venous blood sample that will be sent to microbiology to look for the presence of infection causing organisms
What is meant by ‘asepsis’?
the absence of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms
What is ANTT?
aseptic no touch technique
the standardised technique for achieving asepsis during invasive procedures
What % of healthcare associated infections are avoidable?
What is their cost to the NHS each year?
30% are preventable
They cost the NHS £2.3 billion each year
Around how many patients are harmed by sepsis each year?
250,000
What is the first stage in risk assessing clinical procedures?
Determining the need for standard or surgical ANTT
When would standard ANTT be the technique of choice?
When procedures are uncomplicated, short (<20 minutes) or involve small and minimal numbers of key components
Surgical ANTT is needed in all other situations
What are the appropriate infection control precautions that help to ensure asepsis?
- handwashing
- wearing gloves
- cleaning the site
What is involved in identifying key components of equipment?
These are the parts that have contact with the patient
If they are contaminated, they present a higher risk of infection
What is the most effective way to protect key components of equipment?
- leave any protective caps on until they are required
2. once they are exposed, do not touch them
What are the 7 words that describe a good vein?
- soft
- straight
- bouncy
- refillable
- spongy
- supported
- visible
When taking blood samples, where are the most appropriate vessels found?
vessels in the antecubital fossa
they are large and palpable
When using a cannula, which areas are avoided?
Joints are avoided as they are likely to become occulded in these areas
Where do cannulas tend to be placed?
More peripherally
Usually in the upper limb
The lower limb is an option if the upper limb is contra-indicated
What piece of apparatus is used to help visualise vessels?
Tourniquets
What are the 3 key properties of a tourniquet?
- latex free
- single patients use
- quick, one-handed release
What happens if the tourniquet is left on for longer than 1 minute?
Pressure causes potassium to leak out of tissue into blood
This gives inaccurate results
What types of veins should be avoided?
sclerosed, fibrosed, thrombosed, hard veins
tortuous, mobile, thin, fragile veins
Veins in which areas should be avoided?
inflamed, painful, bruised areas
adjacent to areas of infection
What types of compromised/injured limbs should be avoided?
- mastectomy
- casts
- decreased circulation
- paralysis
- AV fistula
What are the 6 complications of venous puncture?
- bruising
- infection - phlebitis/septicaemia
- missing the vein
- thromboembolism
- hitting an artery, tendon or nerve
- haematoma
What are the indications for venepuncture?
Whenever a blood test is required
