Lesson 6.1 : Venepuncture

Lesson 6.1: Venepuncture

Venepuncture is one of the most common procedure stations. The technique must be fluid and the communication natural throughout.

Step-by-Step

1. Introduce, confirm identity (name, date of birth), explain procedure: 'I need to take a small blood sample from a vein in your arm — it will feel like a sharp scratch.'
2. Obtain verbal consent. Ask about needle phobia and previous difficult veins.
3. Equipment: vacutainer barrel, needle (21G for most adults), blood bottles in correct order of draw, tourniquet, alcohol wipe, gauze, plaster, sharps bin, gloves.
4. Wash hands. Apply gloves.
5. Apply tourniquet 5–10 cm above site. Ask patient to clench fist.
6. Identify vein — antecubital fossa (median cubital vein) is first choice. Palpate; do not just look.
7. Clean skin with alcohol wipe. Allow to dry 30 seconds — do not fan or blow.
8. Warn: 'You will feel a sharp scratch now.' Insert needle bevel up at 15–30 degrees. Blood should appear in the hub.
9. Attach first vacutainer tube. Allow to fill by vacuum — do not force. Gently invert each tube 5–8 times on removal (do not shake).
10. Release tourniquet before withdrawing the needle.
11. Withdraw needle. Apply gauze immediately with firm pressure for 2 minutes.
12. Activate safety device. Dispose needle directly into sharps bin — never resheath.
13. Label bottles at the bedside: patient name, DOB, date, time. Apply plaster.
14. Thank the patient. State you would complete the request form and arrange transport to the lab.

Order of Draw — Vacutainer Tubes