Lesson 6 – Post-Phlebotomy Care

Having completed the lessons on how to carry out the blood collection, we will now go into post-phlebotomy care and infection control measures. It is crucial to provide proper instructions for patient care after blood collection, dispose of used needles and sharps safely, and take necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of infections. Let’s get started!

I. Post-Phlebotomy Care:

1. Instructions for Patient Care after Blood Collection:

• After completing the blood collection, instruct the patient to apply pressure on the puncture site using a clean gauze pad or cotton ball.
• Advise them to maintain the pressure for at least 2-3 minutes to ensure proper clotting.
• If the patient is on anticoagulant medication or has a bleeding disorder, they may need to apply pressure for a longer duration.
• After bleeding stops, instruct the patient to keep the puncture site clean and dry.
• If necessary, provide a bandage or adhesive strip to cover the puncture site.
• Inform the patient about any potential complications they should watch for, such as excessive bleeding, swelling, or signs of infection. Advise them to seek medical attention if any issues arise.

2. Disposal of Used Needles and Sharps:

• Proper disposal of used needles and sharps is necessary to prevent accidental injuries and the spread of infections.
• Use puncture-resistant sharps containers that meet safety regulations.
• Immediately discard used needles and sharps into designated sharps containers after use.
• Adhere to the practices safety protocols and guidelines for the disposal of sharps.

II. Infection Control Measures:

1. Techniques to Prevent the Transmission of Infections during Phlebotomy:

• Perform hand hygiene before and after every patient encounter, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves, during phlebotomy procedures to protect against exposure to blood and other bodily fluids.
• Use clean and sterile equipment for each patient to prevent cross-contamination.
• Follow proper aseptic techniques, such as cleaning the puncture site with an antiseptic solution before venipuncture.
• Avoid recapping needles or manipulating used sharps to minimize the risk of needlestick injuries.

2. Proper Disposal of Contaminated Materials and Equipment:

• Appropriate disposal of contaminated materials, such as used gloves, gauze pads, and cotton balls should be carried out i.e. placed into clinical waste
• This waste should be collected by the practice you are working at

In this lesson, we covered the importance of post-phlebotomy care, including instructions for patient care after blood collection and the proper disposal of used needles and sharps. We also discussed infection control measures, focusing on techniques to prevent the transmission of infections during phlebotomy and the appropriate disposal of contaminated materials and equipment. By following these guidelines, we can ensure patient safety and maintain a hygienic working environment. Well done!