QBC STAR™ System User’s Manual
E–2
L–000867(A)
Venous Blood Collection (Venipuncture)
Supplies
• Disposable gloves
• Tourniquet
• Alcohol pads
• Sterile gauze
• Bandage
• VACUTAINER® Brand (or other) evacuated blood collection system:
-
Tubes containing EDTA anticoagulant (lavender top)
-
Needles
-
Needle holder/adapter
• Sharps container
• Marking pen
Procedure
1 Identify the patient by having him or her (or a guardian) state his full name.
2 Select the appropriate blood collection supplies. Establish the order of evacuated tubes if multiple
specimens are drawn.
3 Label all evacuated blood collection tubes with the patient’s name and the time and date the speci-
men is drawn.
4 Position the patient with the elbow extended and the arm supported. Have the patient make a fi st,
but avoid vigorous pumping or other hand exercise.
5 Apply the tourniquet about 3 - 4 inches above the venipuncture site. Do not stop the blood fl ow
for more than one minute before the blood is drawn. If necessary, release and reapply the tourni-
quet.
6 Select the venipuncture site. The median antecubital and cephalic veins are most commonly
used.
7 Clean the venipuncture site with an alcohol pad, making one smooth, circular pass of the veni-
puncture site. Allow the skin to dry, to prevent hemolysis and to prevent the patient from having
a burning sensation when the needle is inserted. Do not touch the vein site after cleaning it.
8 Perform the venipuncture:
a Wearing gloves, gently grasp the patient’s arm near the venipuncture site, using the thumb to
draw the skin tight.
b With the needle bevel facing up, line up the needle with the vein. Penetrate the skin and en-
ter the vein at an angle of approximately 15 - 30 degrees. Holding the fl ange of the needle
adapter, push the evacuated tube forward, allowing the back end of the needle to puncture
the stopper to engage the vacuum.
