Venepuncture (F1 12/11)

Question 1

The LO’s

• Apply the principles of the Aseptic Non Touch Technique (ANTT) to the procedure of venepuncture
• Describe key patient safety and health and safety issues relevant to venepuncture
• Describe the recommended procedures for dealing with accidental needle stick injuries and blood spill
• Describe correct and safe disposal of waste within the clinical environment

Answer 1

The LO’s

Question 2

What is Aseptic Non-Touch Technique?

Answer 2

• ANTT is shown to reduce the risk of patients contracting a hospital-acquired infection
• Don’t touch needle, even with gloves on.
• These key parts and key sites are places where if contaminated could cause transmission of micro organisms to a patient
• Key parts: any piece of equipment that comes into contact with another key part or a key site
• Key sites: any site where there are open wounds or medical device access sites

Question 3

How do you select a good vein?

Answer 3

• Use veins in the antecubital fossa (anterior to the elbow).
• Cephalic and median antecubital veins commonly used.
• Use a straight vein: above or below a bifurcation
• To select a good vein remember:

1. Easy – veins can be seen and felt
2. Relatively easy – veins cannot be seen but can be felt
3. Difficult – veins can be seen but not felt
4. Very difficult – veins cannot be seen or felt – Look elsewhere!

Question 4

Which areas should be avoided in venepuncture?

Answer 4

• bruises
• bifurcations of veins
• arms with IV
• scarring
• the side mastectomy was on (venepuncture on the same side as a mastectomy carries a risk of secondary lymphedema in that extremity if the lymph nodes have been removed). Lymphedema is localised fluid retention and tissue swelling caused by a compromised lymphatic system.
• Hardened Veins: blood clots?
• Altered sensory perception side e.g. stroke.- no literature on this

Question 5

How do you take blood using a needle and syringe?

Answer 5

1. Wash your hands
2. Check patient details
3. Explain procedure: sharp scratch
4. Any arm can’t take blood from?
5. Arm straight, heart level
6. Apply tourniquet
7. Palpate for vein (if has pulse beware is an artery)
8. Clean skin
9. Needle with bevel side up at 20 degree angle, whilst holding skin taught with left hand
10. Now attatch the blood bottles Remember to keep the needle straight, don’t move it with your left hand.
11. Tourniquet off, then needle out
12. Thank patient and label bloods