Need help - blood draws

PedsER-RN, BSN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

i am starting at a new facility (thank goodness!!) and will be doing some of my own blood draws. this is something i've never done before and would like to know the differences between starting iv's and doing blood draws. i don't have any probs starting iv's, but am feeling a little nervous about this. any advice would be appreciated. thanks!!

if you're fine with starting iv's i don't see this being a problem for you. i think draws are easier/more simple b/c you don't have to advance a catheter. just go in far enough to get the blood and that's about it. just like iv's some sticks are harder than others but the more you do the better you get.

:balloons:

TazziRN, RN · Jul 3, 2006

:yeahthat:

steelydanfan · Jul 4, 2006

Just remember that when doing blood draws in an arm with an IV you must go beneath the iV site or your specimen will be contaminated by the IV solution infusing.

The better way is to use the arm without a line in it, or if both are in use, turn off the IV without vasoactive meds infusing.

TazziRN, RN · Jul 4, 2006

Just remember that when doing blood draws in an arm with an IV you must go beneath the iV site or your specimen will be contaminated by the IV solution infusing.
The better way is to use the arm without a line in it, or if both are in use, turn off the IV without vasoactive meds infusing.

Or turn off the IV, draw 5 ml syringe of waste blood from the IV line, then draw your specimen.

thumperRN · Jul 4, 2006

Thank you all for the advice - doesn't sound too bad. They gave me the option of going to the lab for a morning and watching a phlebotimist if I wanted to - I might take them up on that offer as well. Thanks again for your suggestions. :)

kat911 · Jul 5, 2006

Thank you all for the advice - doesn't sound too bad. They gave me the option of going to the lab for a morning and watching a phlebotimist if I wanted to - I might take them up on that offer as well. Thanks again for your suggestions. :)

Spend a morning watching. You need to see what type of equipment is available to you. If you haven't ever used a butterfly before you need to get familiar with them, they are a great device to use on blood draws. Remember not to use too much suction to get blood into a syringe, it will hemolyze. Always aim blood stream to side of tube or bottle to prevent more hemolysis. Blood cells;) can be sooo picky!