Taking an IV sample, also known as venipuncture, involves drawing blood from a vein using a needle and syringe or vacutainer system. The process is crucial for diagnostic testing. While the reference provides some high-level steps on completing the process, such as filling out patient details on the vacutainer and sending off the sample, a more detailed step-by-step guide is helpful to understand the process. Below is a breakdown:
Steps to Take an IV Sample
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Preparation and Patient Identification:
- Verify the patient's identity using multiple identifiers.
- Explain the procedure to the patient, addressing any concerns.
- Gather all necessary supplies: needles, syringes or vacutainer system, collection tubes, antiseptic wipes, gloves, gauze, tape, and sharps container.
- Ensure you have filled out the patient details on the vacutainer bowl as noted in the video reference at [2:45] and [3:23].
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Hand Hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Put on gloves.
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Vein Selection:
- Apply a tourniquet 3-4 inches above the intended puncture site to make veins more prominent.
- Palpate the area to locate a suitable vein. Choose a vein that is straight, palpable, and not rolling. The median cubital vein in the antecubital fossa (inner elbow area) is often a good choice.
- Avoid areas with scars, tattoos, hematomas, or recent IV sites.
- Clean the chosen site with an antiseptic wipe using a circular motion from the inside out and allow it to air dry completely. Do not touch the site again after cleaning.
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Venipuncture:
- Hold the skin taut with your non-dominant hand just below the puncture site.
- Insert the needle into the vein at a 15-30 degree angle with the bevel up.
- Once you see a flash of blood in the syringe or vacutainer adapter, advance the needle slightly.
- If using a syringe, gently pull back on the plunger to collect the desired amount of blood.
- If using a vacutainer system, insert the appropriate collection tubes, allowing them to fill with blood. Note that the reference video mentions to fill out patient details on the vacutainer bowl.
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Post Venipuncture:
- Remove the tourniquet once the required amount of blood is collected.
- Remove the needle quickly while applying pressure on the puncture site with a clean gauze.
- Activate the needle safety device to prevent needle stick injuries.
- Discard the needle and syringe or vacutainer assembly into a sharps container.
- Continue to apply pressure to the puncture site for 2-3 minutes to prevent hematoma formation.
- Apply a bandage or tape to secure the gauze.
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Sample Handling and Lab Submission:
- Gently invert blood tubes several times to mix the sample with the anticoagulant, if present.
- Label each tube with the patient's name, date of birth, and other necessary information.
- Ensure the blood sample is sent off to the lab for testing as mentioned in the reference at [3:23].
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Patient Identification | Verify patient details. |
| Preparation | Gather supplies and ensure proper hand hygiene and PPE. |
| Vein Selection | Locate suitable vein, apply tourniquet, and clean the area. |
| Venipuncture | Insert needle into vein and draw blood. |
| Post Venipuncture | Remove needle, apply pressure, and bandage. |
| Sample Handling | Mix blood samples, label tubes, and send for testing. |
