Lesson 5 – Blood Collection and Handling

Continuing on from the techniques of blood taking, we’ll now go into how to handle the blood as well as the proper techniques for blood collection.

I. Proper Techniques for Blood Collection:

A. Vacutainer System:

1. Gather the necessary equipment: vacutainer needles, vacutainer tubes with appropriate additives, tourniquet, alcohol swabs, gloves, and gauze pads.
2. Prepare the patient: explain the procedure, ensure their comfort, and identify the appropriate vein for venepuncture.
3. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.
4. Apply a tourniquet proximal to the intended puncture site to engorge the veins.
5. Select the appropriate vacutainer tube for the required tests and attach it to the vacutainer needle.
6. Clean the puncture site with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry.
7. Anchor the vein and insert the vacutainer needle at a shallow angle with a swift, smooth motion.
8. Once blood flow is established, release the tourniquet.
9. Collect the required volume of blood by filling the vacutainer tubes in the specified order.
10. Remove the tubes one by one, gently mixing them if necessary, and safely dispose of the needle and vacutainer system.
11. Apply pressure with a gauze pad over the puncture site until bleeding stops.
12. Discard used materials appropriately and label the blood samples.

B. Syringe Technique:

1. Gather the necessary equipment: syringes, appropriate needles, vacutainer tubes with additives, tourniquet, alcohol swabs, gloves, and gauze pads.
2. Prepare the patient: explain the procedure, ensure their comfort, and identify the appropriate vein for venipuncture.
3. Perform hand hygiene and put on gloves.
4. Apply a tourniquet proximal to the intended puncture site to engorge the veins.
5. Select an appropriate gauge needle for venipuncture and attach it to the syringe.
6. Clean the puncture site with an alcohol swab and allow it to air dry.
7. Anchor the vein and insert the needle smoothly into the vein at the recommended angle.
8. Once blood flow is established, release the tourniquet.
9. Collect the required volume of blood by filling the syringe.
10. Carefully detach the syringe from the needle and transfer the blood to the appropriate vacutainer tubes.
11. Gently mix the tubes if required, and safely dispose of the needle and syringe.
12. Apply pressure with a gauze pad over the puncture site until bleeding stops.
13. Discard used materials appropriately and label the blood samples.

II. Appropriate Labelling and Handling of Blood Samples:

1. Labelling:

• Ensure that each blood sample is properly labeled with the patient’s full name, date of birth, unique identifier, and date and time of collection.
• Use a waterproof pen or a pre-printed label to avoid smudging or fading.
• Double-check the accuracy of the information before moving on to handling the sample.

2. Handling:

• Handle blood samples with care to prevent spillage, breakage, or contamination.
• Use leak-proof and biohazard-labeled containers for transporting and storing blood samples.
• Maintain proper temperature conditions during transportation,

That concludes this lesson on Blood Collection and Handling – we’ll see you in the next lesson where we will be discussing Post Phlebotomy Care