196 0 obj <> endobj xref In this guide, well cover how to find a standard vein and what you can do if that vein isnt proving to be a good option. Find a convenient blood drive near you and schedule an appointment to donate today. Here, I share with you all the tips and tricks I have learned doing phlebotomy over the years. window.ClickTable.mount(options); For routine antisepsis, you can use a standard alcohol prep pad or alcohol-impregnated swabs. Before and after the insertion, the tube should be left in the holder. Eat a healthy meal, avoiding fatty foods like hamburgers, fries or ice cream. 0000015433 00000 n Doctors usually mistake if for hyperkalemia when assessing the results. draw Patients hand should be dangling so that the blood can rush down and fill the veins. In the end, they can only lead to injuries. This will give you more stability and it will relax you. So, before attempting to draw blood, look at the 3 areas mentioned above for the best veins to access and draw a blood sample. If nothing works, try with vein locator. There are numerous considerations when performing venipuncture or phlebotomy. Contact should be limited and you shouldnt place the locator on burned skin. Orange light highlights veins as deep as 3 mm. 196 45 of water (or other nonalcoholic drink) before your appointment. You may need the approval of a physician or someone else. Massage the arm from the wrist to the elbow if using arm veins. Call us at 1-866-236-3276 to report any additional health information that you forgot to tell us, if you have any problems or if you needed medical care after giving blood. Each healthcare system has its own requirements prior to nurses performing blood draws. Place a tourniquet and clean the area for 30 seconds with an alcohol wipe. Phlebotomy is essential for a variety of medical diagnoses, procedures, and tests. Liver function studies. Subscribe for the latest nursing news, offers, education resources and so much more! Always avoid drawing blood from areas where the skin is damaged, inflamed, infected or burned. This will move their fluid and/or tissue out of the way so you can see a good vein. 0000028908 00000 n Perform good hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. The device may be limited in that instance. Invert a BP cuff so that the blood can go to the lower regions of the limb. When the last one is done, you need to remove the tourniquet. Insert the needle at a 15 to 30-degree angle into the vessel. Difficult Blood Draws: Best Tips For Difficult Veins Fat, or obese patients, have more fat around their veins which can make it difficult to find the vein for drawing blood or starting an IV. For example, in a case of a patient with fragile veins, it is much better to skip a tourniquet as it may cause the vein to blow out. obese patient Use your index finger to palpate and trace the standard path of the vein on the arm. Ask a friend to donate at the same time . When drawing blood, you will need several tubes for different samples in your equipment. That is usually the last resort. Re: the 2 tourniquet trick (above and below). Additionally, these steps only apply to the adult and pediatric population and not neonates. }); Try tourniquets, hot packs, gravity, and ask the patient where they usually have luck with blood draws. Afterward, you can easily go upwards. }()); Drawing blood from a patient can be a daunting task, but it also is a necessity for nurses. Please enter a valid e-mail address. There is no easy way to draw blood. Specializes in ER, progressive care. Sure, its easier said than done when a needle is about to enter a persons vein, but tension can constrict veins. One thing that I find that helps is using two tourniquets - take them together and tie it. Thank you. If you're drawing blood cultures, be sure to follow the policy and procedure at your facility. Obesity Screening: MedlinePlus Medical Test Maybe they can listen to some relaxing music, breathe in and out calmly, and encourage them to not be hard on themselves for having difficulty. Can You Get an Associate Degree in Nursing Online? Kindness and helpfulness must be shown to them. Sometimes, you may see a tendon thinking that it is a vein. Linkedin, How to Identify a Usable Vein for Blood Draws. A close look at the site from which you will draw blood will tell you which equipment to use. 0000009535 00000 n Has 1 years experience. Many times combining techniques can mean the difference between finding a vein or not. The bevel of the needle should go upwards. Slapping can lead to contraction which can further decrease the veins, producing an adverse result. 0000014430 00000 n The more venipunctures you successfully obtain, the more successful you will become. Another thing a person can do is to try to be relaxed as much as possible. tips on starting IV, drawing blood on obese patient. To avoid bruising, place the tourniquet over the patients shirt sleeve if drawing blood from an arm vein. It can help veins to pop up, making them probably visible and easier to find. No matter what, always take your time to find just the right vein. Has 9 years experience. This forces blood up and fills the vein. For an experienced professional, this is typically a relatively easy job. Sometimes, it can still be hard to find the vein after applying the tourniquet. Make sure you check with the nurse first for permission. 0000276013 00000 n WebObesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. As a result, this will lead to the release of histamine increasing the vein. Often, even a loose bind can help a vein to pop. Additionally, you will have to consider the reason why you are performing insertion of the needle. Follow your institutions policy when using heat. Insert along the vein. A second option for finding veins and drawing blood are hand veins. While not commonly taught in nursing school programs, many recommend that nursing students take extra courses in how to draw blood to learn this skill. They already have pain, so lets make the process easier and more comfortable for them.