How to Insert a Butterfly Needle?

Inserting a butterfly needle, also known as a winged infusion set, involves a few key steps for a successful venipuncture. Here's a breakdown based on information from the provided reference:

Butterfly Needle Insertion Process

Here's a detailed guide on how to insert a butterfly needle:

1. Preparation: Gather all necessary supplies, including the butterfly needle set, antiseptic wipes, tourniquet, gauze, tape, and appropriate blood collection tubes or syringe. Ensure you have a safety transfer device readily available.

2. Patient Preparation: Explain the procedure to the patient, answer any questions, and position the patient comfortably. Select the appropriate venipuncture site, avoiding areas with scars, tattoos, or hematomas.

3. Tourniquet Application: Apply a tourniquet above the selected venipuncture site to make the veins more prominent. Avoid applying the tourniquet too tightly or leaving it on for an extended period.

4. Site Cleansing: Cleanse the chosen insertion site using antiseptic wipes. Allow the area to air dry for the proper disinfection.

5. Needle Insertion:

   • Remove the needle cap from the butterfly needle.
   • Grasp the wings of the butterfly needle set, and ensure the bevel of the needle is facing up.
   • Anchor the vein with your non-dominant hand and insert the needle into the vein at a shallow angle (about 10-30 degrees).
   • Watch for a flash of blood into the tubing of the butterfly needle set to confirm successful vein entry.

6. Blood Collection: Once you see the blood flash, advance the needle slightly further. If you are collecting blood samples, attach the appropriate collection tubes to the needle adapter. If you are using a syringe, attach the syringe and draw the required amount of blood.

7. Tourniquet Removal: Once the blood sample is obtained (if using collection tubes) or once the syringe is filled, release the tourniquet. If using collection tubes, remove the tubes after the blood draw.

8. Needle Removal: Place gauze over the insertion site with your non-dominant hand, and with your dominant hand quickly remove the butterfly needle from the insertion point. Immediately apply pressure to the site to prevent bruising.

9. Safety Device Activation: Immediately activate the safety mechanism on the butterfly needle.

10. Disposal: Safely dispose of the used butterfly needle, as well as, the safety transfer device according to OSHA guidelines and your facility’s policies.

Key Considerations:

• Angle of Insertion: Using a shallow insertion angle is crucial to avoid going through the vein and potentially causing hematoma.
• Safety: Employ safe needle handling practices to prevent needlestick injuries, especially when discarding the needle.
• Proper Equipment: Using a safety transfer device (according to the reference material) is essential for safe handling and disposal.

Step	Action
1. Preparation	Gather necessary supplies: needle set, wipes, tourniquet, gauze, tape, collection tubes, syringe (if needed), safety transfer device.
2. Patient Prep	Explain the procedure, position the patient comfortably and select a site.
3. Tourniquet	Apply above the insertion site.
4. Site Cleansing	Cleanse the chosen area using antiseptic wipes and allow air dry.
5. Needle Insertion	Remove the needle cap, insert the needle, confirm entry by watching for a flash of blood in the tubing.
6. Blood Collection	Attach the collection tubes or syringe, draw blood.
7. Tourniquet Removal	Release the tourniquet once the blood draw is complete.
8. Needle Removal	Place gauze and quickly remove needle; apply pressure.
9. Safety Activation	Immediately activate the safety device on the needle.
10. Disposal	Discard the used equipment according to OSHA guidelines and your facility’s policy.

This step-by-step process, combined with the understanding of the right angle, and emphasis on safe practices, ensures the proper insertion of a butterfly needle. Always adhere to your facility's protocols and guidelines when performing venipuncture.