How Do You Collect A Blood Sample?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Venipuncture is the most common way to collect blood from adult patients. Collection takes place from a superficial vein in the upper limb, generally the median cubital vein; this vein is close to the skin and doesn’t have many large nerves positioned close by. This reduces pain and discomfort for the patient.

What do you need to collect blood?

  1. Evacuated Collection Tubes (tubes specific to labs ordered)
  2. Personal Protective Equipment (ie gloves)
  3. Appropriate blood-drawing needles.
  4. Tourniquet.
  5. Hand Sanitizer.
  6. Alcohol swabs for skin disinfection.
  7. Laboratory specimen labels.
  8. Gauze.

How is blood sample taken?

During a blood test, a small sample of blood is taken from your body. It’s usually drawn from a vein in your arm using a needle. A finger prick also might be used . The procedure usually is quick and easy, although it may cause some short-term discomfort.

Why is my blood slow drawing?

If you have been to a clinic or lab before and had the phlebotomist stick you more than once for a blood draw, you may have been told that you are a “difficult stick.” This can happen to people for quite a few different reasons, including small or deep veins, rolling veins, dehydration, collapsing veins, constricted ...

How do you collect a patient’s blood sample?

Venipuncture is the most common way to collect blood from adult patients. Collection takes place from a superficial vein in the upper limb, generally the median cubital vein; this vein is close to the skin and doesn’t have many large nerves positioned close by. This reduces pain and discomfort for the patient.

What are the 3 main veins to draw blood?

The most site for venipuncture is the antecubital fossa

What is the first step in routine blood collection?

The first step to the collection is to positively identify the patient by two forms of identification ; ask the patient to state and spell his/her name and give you his/her birth date.

What is used if only part of the blood is needed?

Most of the time, a blood transfusion is done with only part of the blood. You might be given one or more of these blood parts based on your needs. When you have a blood transfusion, it’s important to be given the right blood. Blood comes in 4 main types: A, B, AB, and O.

What is the most common patient concern when having blood drawn?

Getting blood drawn is a simple process, but the most common complication associated with it is bruising . Your doctor might call this kind of bruise is also called a hematoma.

Is drawing blood hard?

Drawing blood is most often a straightforward and relatively painless process, but as with any medical procedure, there can sometimes be complications and challenges.

How do I make my veins better for blood draw?

  1. Get warm. When the body is warm, blood flow increases, dilating the veins and making them easier to find and stick. ...
  2. Use gravity. Increase blood flow to your arm and hand by letting gravity do the work. ...
  3. Hydrate. When the body is properly hydrated, veins become more dilated. ...
  4. Relax.

How can I make my blood draw easier?

  1. Drink Water. Full veins are plumper than veins that aren’t as full. ...
  2. Breathe. Don’t hold your breath while blood is drawn. ...
  3. Be Honest.
  4. Don’t Look. If having your blood drawn makes you feel sick and dizzy, don’t watch while your blood is drawn. ...
  5. Ask For Someone Else. ...
  6. Sit Still.

How do you feel a vein?

  1. Align your finger in the direction of the vein.
  2. Press on top of the vein with enough pressure to depress the skin.
  3. Keep your finger in contact with the skin so that you may feel the “bounce back” of a resilient, healthy vein.

What to do when you cant find a vein?

  1. Soak the arm in warm water for five minutes to make the veins get bigger. ...
  2. Wrap a warm towel over the forearm or hand before starting.
  3. Gently massage the area over the chosen site.

What is the best vein to draw blood from?

The median cubital vein is the first choice for blood draws because it has a decreased proximity to arteries and nerves in the arm. The more lateral cephalic vein is the second choice and the basilic vein in the medial arm is the last choice.

What is the purpose of blood collection?

Collecting blood samples is a frequently used method to diagnose and monitor diseases , and thanks to blood samples, long and sometimes painful examinations can often be avoided. Blood condition says something about the patient’s overall health condition and reveals more specific diseases and conditions.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.