Obtain venous blood samples
Overview
This standard covers the use of venepuncture/phlebotomy techniques and procedures to obtain venous blood samples from individuals for investigations.
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 venous 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:
a. an appropriate site
b. appropriate equipment for obtaining the venous blood
P6. apply, use and release a tourniquet at appropriate stages of the procedure
P7. gain venous access using the selected blood collection system, in a manner which will cause minimum discomfort to the individual
P8. obtain the blood from the selected site:
a. in the correct container according to investigation required
b. in the correct volume
c. in the correct order when taking multiple samples
P9. 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
P10. mix the blood and anti-coagulant thoroughly when anti-coagulated blood is needed
P11. promptly identify any indication that the individual may be suffering any adverse reaction and take appropriate action
P12. remove blood collection equipment and stop blood flow with sufficient pressure at the correct point and for the sufficient length of time to ensure bleeding has stopped and prevent bruising
P13. apply a suitable dressing to the puncture site according to guidelines and/or protocols, and advise the individual about how to care for the site
P14. label blood samples in accordance with organisational procedures
P15. place samples in the appropriate packaging with relevant documentation
P16. place samples in the nominated place for collection and transportation, ensuring the blood is kept at the required temperature to maintain its integrity
P17. ensure immediate transport of the blood to the relevant department when blood sampling and investigations are urgent
P18. dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
P19. complete all relevant documentation required for obtaining venous 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 venous 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 applying standard infection control precautions to obtaining venous blood samples and the potential consequences of poor practice
K8. how infection is spread and how to limit the spread - including how to use or apply the particular infection control measures needed when working with blood
K9. the structure of blood vessels
K10. the position of accessible veins for venous access in relation to arteries, nerves and other anatomical structures
K11. blood clotting processes and factors influencing blood clotting
K12. the contra-indications and changes in behaviour and condition, which indicate that the procedure should be stopped, and advice sought
K13. the concerns which individuals may have in relation to you obtaining venous blood
K14. how to prepare individuals for obtaining venous blood, including how their personal beliefs and preferences may affect their preparation
K15. what is likely to cause discomfort to individuals during and after obtaining venous blood, and how such discomfort can be minimised
K16. common adverse reactions to blood sampling, how to recognise them and the action(s) to take
K17. the type and function of different blood collection systems
K18. what dressings are needed for different types of puncture sites, how to apply and what advice to give individuals on caring for the site
K19. the factors to consider in selecting the best site to use for venous access
K20. the equipment and materials needed for venepuncture/phlebotomy and how to check and prepare blood collection systems
K21. the importance of ensuring venous access sites are cleaned effectively, and how and when this should be done
K22. the correct use of tourniquets
K23. the importance of correctly and safely inserting and removing needles
K24. how to recognise an arterial puncture, and the action to take if this occurs
K25. the factors involved in the procedure which could affect the quality of the blood
K26. the remedial action you can take if there are problems in obtaining blood
K27. when and how to dress venous puncture sites
K28. the information that needs to be recorded on labels and other documentation
K29. the importance of completing labels and documentation clearly, legibly and accurately
K30. how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
K31. how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements