Why no blood draws??

[kistigirl84]

Is there a reason it is not recommended to draw blood from a short catheter (also known as a peripheral catheter)? This is referenced throughout textbooks and on the web but there never seem to be a explanation behind this recommendation.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

From a study done in 2009:

However, obtaining laboratory specimens from peripheral intravenous catheters may hemolyze the specimens, and can even dislodge catheters and necessitate restarts. Both of these scenarios may lead to multiple needle sticks and delayed treatment, not only reducing patients' satisfaction but also increasing costs of care.

Source: [h=1]Obtaining Blood Samples From Peripheral Intravenous Catheters: Best Practice?[/h]

[*=left]Margo A. Halm, RN, PhD, CNS-BC and
[*=left]Melissa Gleaves, RN, BSN

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Obtaining Blood Samples From Peripheral Intravenous Catheters: Best Practice?

[IVRUS, BSN, RN]

Is there a reason it is not recommended to draw blood from a short catheter (also known as a peripheral catheter)? This is referenced throughout textbooks and on the web but there never seem to be a explanation behind this recommendation.

If you think about it, short term peripheral IV catheters less than three inches in length, are small catheters usually in a narrow diameter vessel. Therefore, drawing labs from this type of IV catheter can result in catheter occlusion, plus there is often damage to the smooth bed of endothelial cells. Once this process starts, phlebitis and thrombus formation quickly follow.

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

I'll draw from a peripheral line if I just inserted it, but only if that person is a ridiculously hard stick. Otherwise, unless a central is present, I just find another vessel. Sorry, patient's.