Drawing bloodwork

Hoozdo, ADN · May 3, 2007

This is probably my worst skill also. I have found 3 things that help.

1. Always use a butterfly

2. Keep your tubes real, real handy

3. Insert the butterfly in a manner that you don't have to hold it at a precarious angle to get blood. Try to have it flush against the skin.

Any other tips are greatfully appreciated!

oMerMero · May 3, 2007

I always use a butterfly. If possible, after I am in the vein, I try to hold the butterfly with my left hand, and change tubes with my right hand. My other advice, as with starting IVs...take your time! I think it is better to spend a minute or few looking for a good vein and then poking the pt once, rather than being quick with looking for veins, and having multiple sticks. That is my advice.

surromom · May 3, 2007

visual the vein, if you have a textbook that has phlebotomy in it, review it. i am currently taking a phlebotomy class right now, and was told it will really pay off in the future, YOU CAN DO IT!!! have confidence, oh and use the side guards when you are pushing the tube in!!! and you can always rest your fingers on their arm if using a vacutainer not a butterfly. GL!!!

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · May 3, 2007

If you are using a vacutainer, then don't move that hand. Once you insert the needle, anchor your hand with the vacutainer in it. You will place tubes into it and adjust only with the other hand. People tend to blow the veins when they try to compensate with the vacutainer hand. Just keep that hand steady and still...

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · May 3, 2007

Thats the main issue I have I think, lol...keeping the vacutainer or butterfly steady. I dont know how the lab techs do it all the time. :confused:

Cher

nurseabc123 · May 10, 2007

Thats the main issue I have I think, lol...keeping the vacutainer or butterfly steady. I dont know how the lab techs do it all the time.
Cher

It's really easy to say "stabilize the vacutainer" on here...but harder to do, honestly, I would just have an experienced nurse, tech, phlebotomist show you. Don't be embarrassed to ask, it just shows that you want to improve and you have your patients' interests at heart. In my personal opinion, I think it's easier to keep things steady when using a straight gauge.

JakeyWakey · May 12, 2007

I'm just a new phlebotomist so I am still refining my skills, but I have found that using the vacutainer when possible is so much faster, and easier in the long run. I used tons of butterflies in the beginning because I was intimidated by the vacutainer, but the only way you get good is practicing. For stabilizing the tube holder you need to experiment with what works best for you, but you pretty much want to make sure that your fingers end up resting comfortably on patient when you get in the vein. This means you need to figure out what angle works best for you. If you come in too high, you will risk going through the vein more easily and you won't be able to rest your fingers on the patient for stabilization. I also tend to brace my upper arm against my side for extra stabilization. I'd encourage you to only use butterfly needles when really needed, you'll be more confident with in the long run.

jill48, ASN, RN · May 12, 2007

i always use a butterfly. love the butterflies.:yelclap:

StacieRN, RN · May 12, 2007

My advice is: in an elderly person with frail veins, don't use a tourniquet it will just blow the veins.

You can engorge their veins by placing a hot moist towel on the arm for five min. If that doesn't work, then use a manual bp cuff.

jill48, ASN, RN · May 14, 2007

and don't forget to take off the tourniquet when you are done. true story. yep, i know it sounds really bad. i was a newbie, fresh out of school. thank god it wasn't on but a few minutes, and there was no damage, but i never made that mistake again. woops. :idea:

emmycRN · May 14, 2007

Instead of using a vacutainer you could try attaching a syringe and aspirating the blood into it and then transfer the blood from the syringe to the tubes.