? on drawing PT/INR

[Zookeeper44]

I have to draw a PT/INR and want to know if it needs to be done at a certain time of day or if there any other special things I need to know...have never done one before. I will be doing the stick, there's no line in place, will be done in the home.

I did a search on the board but if there's something here on it, I didn't see it...

Thanks!!

[seemerun]

I worked home health for quite awhile. Usually we used the machines but there were often times when we would need to do it by venipuncture. You do have to fill the tube all the way up and I always had problems with the vacutainers. They suction only pulled in about half way. You can attach a butterfly to the end a empty syringe and do it that way. Then you can be sure you get a big enough sample.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Hospice policy says????? :)

[JMK04]

Tip #1: use a straight needle for the collection if possible.

Tip #2: if using a butterfly needle for the draw, ensure you draw 2 tubes of blood as the 1st tube will not completely fill d/t excess air.