Wasting Blood

Standard at my facility is 10ccs don't know if there is any exact correct but espcially if it is an artline or a line with heparin mix to keep open I would aste at least 10cc

3-5 cc here. Never more than 5 cc.

you need to consider your patient's condition and whether or not they are volume depleted. Also, what fluids are infusing? How often are you accessing the line? With no additives in that line, and frequent access, I have done it with 2-3 cc, assuming patient was "normal" weight for age/height.

Originally posted by purplemania

you need to consider your patient's condition and whether or not they are volume depleted. Also, what fluids are infusing? How often are you accessing the line? With no additives in that line, and frequent access, I have done it with 2-3 cc, assuming patient was "normal" weight for age/height.

Also need to consider how frequently blood is being drawn and pt's H&H, esp. with kids. I generally draw 5 cc on a normal weight, non-volume depleted adult from an art line or other heparinized line.

5cc where I work

Originally posted by CCURN

How much blood should you waste when drawing from a PICC, Arterial line or Swan before you take the sample.

I have had several answers from people at work, and need another opinion.

Thanks

I agree with all for 5 cc's except for groshong caths. It takes a good 10 cc's of saline to force open the valve, and 10 cc's to close and clean it.

5 cc here, but ALWAYS ALWAYS check you policies and procedures for your facility.

I would check w/the policy and procedure to your facility and in addition to that consider the patients situation.