The Process of Venipuncture

Venipuncture: A Necessary Medical Procedure

Venipuncture (blood drawing) is a necessary medical procedure. This is because it establishes diagnostic grounds and aids in disclosing an individual’s current medical condition. The system is also used to donate blood. This is a unique procedure since it may benefit the patient whose diagnosis is being made or a different individual getting the donated blood (Lieseke and Zeibig 162).

Introduction and Preparation

The following paper focuses on the process of extracting blood from a vein, emphasizing the necessary arrangements, the order in which blood is drawn, the attitude observed by physicians, and the methods for correctly identifying the needle’s insertion point.

Before drawing blood from a patient, the first step is to introduce yourself to the patient, since this aids in building trust and helping the patient relax (Lieseke and Zeibig 163). Subsequently, take the patient through the procedure and make him or her know that it is a quick process and will result in minimal discomfort afterward. Sanitization follows with proper washing of hands and wearing gloves. Later affirm requisition, which includes confirming the birth date and the medical record number. In the case of blood donation, confirm the blood type. The following procedure is to assemble all necessary supplies and tools at one strategic point (Lieseke and Zeibig 163).

The Process of Venipuncture

In the commencement of venipuncture, select the arm from which the blood will be drawn and tie a tourniquet around it. Then ensure that the patient has a clutched arm for the veins to be more visible. Use an alcohol-covered wipe on the venipuncture area to disinfect that region. Give the alcohol time to evaporate, as if it mixes with blood, it will result in a stinging sensation (Lieseke and Zeibig 164).

When drawing blood, bring a proper needle inserted in a holder and use the needle sheath to bring the needle to a safe position. Put the blood collection tube in the holder. Upon finding the insertion area, establish the needle so that the blood flows downwards (Lieseke and Zeibig 164). When the tube is half full, properly discard the tourniquet. If veins are barely visible one can use various ways to stimulate them. On completion of this process, eject the tube from the holder carefully to avoid shaking it. Repeat the process for the various tubes ensuring the samples avoid contact. The individuals are then allowed to stop the hand clutching, as the needle is ejected, and they should put gauze firmly on the insertion area to stop the bleeding (Lieseke and Zeibig 164).

Collection and Examination of Blood Samples

Upon collecting blood for analysis, various samples are collected for proper examination. This procedure is conducted within the specific criteria to prevent cross-contamination of additives in the various tubes. Tests for blood cultures are put in a yellow or black top, coagulation samples are in the light blue top, and non-additive in the red top (Eagle 884).

Post-Procedure Steps and Best Practices

Upon completion of this procedure, ensure that the working area is clean in order to protect both your and the patient’s health by curbing any means of contamination. Different items should be disposed of in the recommended jars. Practitioners should double-check labels to avoid any errors before presentation (Lieseke and Zeibig 165). Afterwards, notify the individual that the process is over and advise to maintain the gauze in the area for about 15 minutes for the coagulation to commence. Once the patient leaves the office, sanitize the armrest with a germicidal wipe (Lieseke and Zeibig 165). At this point, the practitioner is ready to present the samples to the lab.

Professional Conduct and Considerations

During the procedure, medical professionals are to observe the common practice. Doctors should engage their patients in conversations, since they may provide vital information for later reference in analysis and divert their attention, hence, relaxing them (Eagle 875). With this in mind, practitioners should try to make this experience friendly, since some patients may be nervous. Medical practitioners should be highly alert and attentive during this process.

Choosing the Insertion Point

In locating an appropriate insertion point, the doctor needs to choose from either cephalic veins or the larger median cubital veins although it is common to use the basilica and dorsal hand veins. Parts avoided during this process are burnt or scarred tissue; drawing a sample from such an area leads to complications (Eagle 885). Also, with instances of edematous extremities, there is a huge possibility of tissue fluid accumulation, which alters test outcomes. In addition, when collecting blood from the arm with a cannula or fistula, many hospitals have individual policies, since a hematoma may result in errors in results. In such cases, the doctor should go for the area distal (Eagle 885).

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that before any venipuncture procedure is undertaken, various steps should be taken for doctors to circumvent patient worries and perform proper sanitization to avoid any contamination. Doctors are advised to observe common practice while handling their patients. In addition to this, color coding of containers results in the proper placement of samples, therefore, ensuring correct results for various tests. With the strict commitment and involvement that comes along with this procedure, doctors should strive to maintain the best practices in order to make the patients more comfortable and open when conducting this process.

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Works Cited

Eagle, Sharon. The Professional Medical Assistant: An Integrated, Teamwork-Based Approach. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Co, 2009.

Lieseke, Constance L., and Elizabeth A. Zeibig. Essentials of Medical Laboratory Practice. Philadelphia: F.A. Davis Company, 2012.