26 Steps of Venipuncture

Reorder the following

• Identify yourself (name and title)

• Identify the patient (full name and date of birth)

• Ask permission to draw the patient’s blood

• Greet patients with HELLO!!

• Verify the test ordered against the requisition

Reorder the following

• Palpate to locate site

• Wash hands

• Apply the tourniquet

• Remove the tourniquet and gel or wash hands again

• Ask the patient assessment questions relevant to the ordered blood test (Have you had anything to eat, have you ever fainted while having your blood drawn)

Reorder the following

• Reapply the tourniquet

• Inset needle at the appropriate angle 15-30 (Tell the patient they will feel a slight pinch

• Gather and assemble the needed Supplies (tubes, gloves, tourniquet, needle, hub, gauze, band-aid, alcohol wipe) Prep supplies and apply your gloves.

• Clean the site with alcohol (let air dry)

• Taunt patient’s skin to anchor vein

Reorder the following

• Fill evacuated tubes in correct order of draw

• Release tourniquet before withdrawing the tube

• Remove needle and activate safety device

• Remove last tube from hub before removing needle

• Invert each tube the appropriate amount of times

Reorder the following

• Give instructions and thank the patient; Dispose of waste

• Dispose of the needle in biohazard SHARPS container

• Place gauze over insertion site and ask the patient to apply direct pressure

• Label tubes against the requisition

•   Check site to confirm no bleeding then apply bandage