[littleonion]

Can anyone describe how to draw blood from an art line? From which port, how to flush, etc. I searched for some step by step instructions but didn't find anything.
Thanks

[Indy]

Do you mean a PICC line or a central line? Or some other thing altogether? I could tell you what I do but if you're not talking about a central line then I'm probably not doing you any good.

[PICC ACE]

1. "Wash yer darn hands and wear yer darn gloves" (my old infection control nurse's mantra)
2. Make note of current wave forms and art. pressure readings
3. Turn the stopcock to 'all off' position
4. Remove the cap from the stopcock port and discard it
5. Attach 5cc syringe to the stopcock,open the stopcock to the artery side and withdraw 5cc waste sample. Turn stopcock to 'all off' 6. Attach ABG syringe,open stopcock to artery side and withdraw sample. Turn stopcock to 'all off'. Remove and cap ABG syringe.
7. Cleanse the stopcock port and apply new cap
8. Flush line using the pressure bag
9. Recheck wave forms and pressure readings to make sure they're similar to what you had before getting the sample
10. Send the sample to lab

It's not an especially difficult procedure. The toughest part is making sure you have the stopcock closed at the right times and open in the right direction at the right times.