Top Tips to Improve Your Blood Draw Technique

How do we know this technology is promising in my audience's already crowded vascular territory the perimeters of our clients? While a relatively standard procedure in any health care setting, blood draws can be more difficult than they appear. Proper techniques help to resolve problems such as discomfort to patients, inaccurate results to tests, and the cost for patients to repeat procedures. Perfecting blood draw skills is crucial for healthcare professionals in order to get accurate results and cause less discomfort to patients.

In this post, you’ll learn actionable strategies that you can implement immediately to improve your blood draw technique, steer clear of common pitfalls, and provide a better experience for your patients and yourself. Here are some tips all of you can brush up on to make blood draws easier, whether you're just starting out or a seasoned professional.

An Introduction to Blood Draw Basics

A blood draw is when a health care worker takes a sample of blood, usually from a vein, for testing. It is taken for a number of reasons, including lab tests, treatment monitoring, or blood donation. This procedure of how it's conducted is critical, and can make a difference to the outcome of the tests as well as the experience of the patient, hear after. During a blood draw, you will use needles, syringes, alcohol wipes, and blood collection tubes. Each tool has a specific use, and putting them to proper use is critical to achieving the best possible outcome for the patient while keeping them comfortable and safe.

Prepare the Patient as well as the Environment

Preparing both the patient and the environment are some of the most crucial steps in capturing successful blood draws. These are the main things to pay attention to:

Communicate With the Patient

• Spend a few minutes chatting with the patient before you start. Explain what they can expect during the procedure and how long it will take, as well as the reason for drawing the blood.

• They will feel less anxious and develop focus and comfort.

• As if the patient is nervous, explain that the procedure is fast and relatively painless

Address Needle Anxiety:

• Some patients may have a phobia in regard to needles, blood draws, etc. We have to acknowledge their fears and provide soothing reassurance. Let them know that they will feel a little pinch or pressure for a few seconds, but it will be over soon.

Have a Clean, Tidy, and Well-Lit Environment:

• The main thing is ensured that the room you are performing the blood draw is clean and devoid of distractions. This is essential for creating a polished and clean environment, and significantly reduces the chance of contamination.

• Make sure that the area is sufficiently lit, so you can see the veins, and make the process less stressful.

Choosing the Appropriate Location for Blood Withdrawal

• Somewhere in the antecubital fossa (the crease in the arm) is usually where blood is drawn. The veins here tend to be big, prominent, and readily accessible.

• When the antecubital fossa is unsuitable, the veins in the wrist, back of the hand, or forearm may be utilized but they are generally more difficult to access.

• You can prevent unnecessary stress for both the patient and the system by prepping both the patient and the space before the procedure.

Choose the Proper Needle and Tools

MANDATORY: Selecting the correct needle and equipment is important. You have to select a needle of appropriate size for the patient. If a person has big veins, you might use a bigger needle, but if he has small veins (parents, young kids), you would use a smaller needle. It’s also important to decide between needle types. For instance, butterfly needles offer much more flexibility, which is essential when dealing with smaller veins (and allows for less awkward positioning) Often regular needles are used more in larger veins. However, the appropriate size and type of needle can help to ensure the procedure goes right with minimal pain.

Selecting and palpating a vein appropriately

Locate the correct vein is one of the most crucial aspects of blood draw. To get the process over with as quickly and smoothly as possible, you want to select an easy-to-reach vein with strong blood flow. The best veins lie in the antecubital fossa (the crease of the elbow), but those in the wrist or hand can also suffice if necessary. Run your finger along the skin until you feel a vein (they feel like cords under the skin). The vein should feel soft and slightly elevated, and you should be able to feel it without much pressure. Stay away from veins that are deep or hard to feel, as these can complicate the blood draw. In addition, avoid veins that are known to collapse or have poor blood flow. Choosing the right vein makes the process much easier and more successful for both you and the patient.

Use of the Tourniquet

A tourniquet, for making veins easier to see for blood draws. Use it with these simple tips:

Steps On How to Properly Place the Tourniquet

·     Apply the tourniquet 3-4 inches above the draw site.

·         Do not apply it directly to where you are drawing blood.

·         Have the patient down their arm.

·         Make sure the veins stand out.

Adjust the Tightness

·         A tourniquet should feel tight, but not painful.

·         Ensure that you can still see and feel the pulse in the arm.

·         It should make the veins bulge without blood getting restricted.

·         Say to the patient, “Is it too snug, uncomfortable?”

Avoid Leaving It on Too Long

•         Do not keep the tourniquet on any longer than 1 minute.

•         Look for signs of discomfort displayed by the patient.

•         Let go of the tourniquet before you stick the needle in.

•         Should the veins shrink, release the tourniquet at once.

Angle of insertion and technique

Altering the angle at which you insert the needle is key to an efficient blood draw. The needle should be inserted at a 15-to-30-degree angle. And you might go through the vein if you insert it at too steep of an angle, which is painful for the patient. If you insert it at too steep of an angle, the needle will fall out. Angle the needle to find the perfect fit, then push through the skin with controlled, steady pressure. Don’t rush the process. Unsteady movements or jerking the needle can turn the procedure uncomfortable for the patient and can also raise the chances of never hitting the vein. The slower you insert the needle, the more controlled the action and less painful it is for the patient  as long as you are into the vein.

How to Deal with Challenging Blood Draws

Even when you do everything right, though getting blood drawn can be difficult. This is particularly important when the veins are small deep or difficult to access. If you’re having trouble locating a vein, try moving the patient’s arm somewhat or using a warm compress on the area. The heat makes the veins appear more engorged. This gentle tapping on the skin can also help the veins pop. If the patient is nervous or anxious try to keep them calm by talking to them and explaining. What you’re doing step by step. Large volumes of blood can be difficult to extract even for specialists. If you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a colleague. For some patients, you may need a more experienced person to do the blood draw. You may want to try a different kind of needle such as a butterfly needle.

Post-Procedure Care

After the blood draw is completed, the care of the patient and their comfort becomes the next step. Once the needle is removed use some light pressure on the site. Where you put the needle usually to stop a bit of bleeding to help avoid bruising. After that, you should be able to put on a bandage to cover the site. Explain to the patient that it’s effortlessly normal to feel a bit sore next but that. They should refrain from heavy exciting or energetic activity for a few hours. Make sure to provide them with aftercare directions like leaving the dressing on for a certain amount of time to reduce the danger of infection and swelling. Aftercare is energetic to ensuring a smooth recovery with slight opportunity for complications.

Conclusion: Tips to Improve Your Blood Draw Technique

It takes time and practice to get good at pulling blood. So, by implementing these few key tactics; prepping your patient and your area needle selection vein selection and using proper technique. The above Tips to Improve Your Blood Draw Technique will increase your chance of having a successful blood draw greatly. Your patient will appreciate you taking your time (not rushing) staying calm. Being detail-oriented as will the patient whom you are assisting. Note that experience is everything, so keep practicing and hone your skills as you go along.