Obtain and test capillary blood samples
Overview
This standard covers the collection of capillary blood samples using either manual or automated lancets, testing of the sample where this is required or sending it elsewhere for laboratory testing.
Samples may include those for blood sugar determination, haemoglobin levels and neonatal blood spot testing of the newborn.
Users of this standard will need to communicate effectively to meet individuals' needs and wishes and work in line with health and safety legislation, policy and practices.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1. identify and agree the roles and responsibilities of yourself and/or others in obtaining and testing capillary blood samples
P2. confirm identity of the individual and establish consent in accordance with organisational procedures
P3. give the individual relevant information, support and reassurance in a manner which is sensitive to their needs and concerns
P4. ensure infection prevention and control methods and personal protective equipment are used
P5. select and prepare the equipment and site for obtaining the capillary blood sample in line with organisational procedures
P6. obtain the required amount of blood of the required quality, using the selected materials and equipment in accordance with organisational procedure
P7. take appropriate action to stimulate the flow of blood if there is a problem obtaining blood from the selected site, or choose an alternative site
P8. identify any indication that the individual may be suffering any adverse reaction and take appropriate action
P9. apply pressure to the puncture site following completion to encourage closure and blood clotting
P10. label the sample accurately and legibly in accordance with organisational procedures
P11. place sample in the appropriate packaging with appropriate documentation and put in the appropriate place for transport or storage if required
P12. ensure immediate transport of the sample to the relevant department when blood sampling and investigations are urgent
P13. when appropriate, test the blood sample correctly using the appropriate method in line with organisational procedure
P14. recognise and interpret results accurately or pass them onto an appropriate staff member for interpretation
P15. ensure that the individual is informed if any further action is required
P16. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
P17. complete all relevant documentation required for obtaining and testing capillary blood samples
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1. how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions, legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols needed to obtain and test capillary blood samples
K2. the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
K3. specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
K4. the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
K5. the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
K6. how to obtain positive confirmation of an individual's identity before starting the procedure
K7. the importance of confidentiality and the measures taken to ensure it is appropriately maintained
K8. the importance of applying standard infection control precautions to obtaining and testing capillary blood samples and the potential consequences of poor practice
K9. how infection is spread and how to limit the spread
K10. the structure and purpose of capillary blood vessels
K11. blood clotting processes and factors influencing blood clotting
K12. the normal or expected results for particular tests and what constitutes an abnormal result
K13. the different reasons for obtaining capillary blood samples
K14. the concerns that individuals may have in relation to capillary blood sampling
K15. the sites which can be used for capillary sampling and what the factors that need to be considered in selecting the best site to use including the individual's own preference
K16. why it is important to clean the sites from which you will obtain samples, and the appropriate ways of doing this
K17. the contra-indications which indicate that capillary sampling should be stopped and advice sought
K18. what is likely to cause discomfort to individuals during and after the collection of capillary blood samples, and how such discomfort can be minimised
K19. what can cause problems in obtaining capillary blood samples, what can be done to stimulate blood flow and when another site should be used
K20. the common adverse reactions which individuals may have how to recognise them and actions to take
K21. the equipment and materials needed for capillary blood sampling and testing
K22. the sorts of equipment and materials which are sensitive to environmental changes and how this affects their storage and use
K23. which equipment and instruments are re-usable and which must be discarded after one use
K24. how and when to label samples
K25. where the sample is to be sent for laboratory testing:
K26. the importance of ensuring sites for capillary blood sampling are cleaned effectively, and how and when this should be done
K27. the process and procedure for obtaining capillary blood samples, including the correct sequence of actions
K28. the factors involved in the procedures which could affect the quality of the blood
K29. the importance of collecting capillary blood samples of the right quality, and how to achieve this
K30. the complications and problems may occur during the collection of capillary blood samples, how to recognise them and what action(s) to take
K31. how to perform relevant tests of capillary blood samples
K32. the information that needs to be recorded on labels and other documentation when sending capillary blood samples to the laboratory and the possible consequences of confusing samples or incorrect labelling
K33. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
K34. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures