8 Rookie Phlebotomy Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Summary
- Not anchoring the needle properly can lead to various issues such as accidental withdrawal, pushing the needle too far, and moving the needle around under the skin. To avoid this, have a firm hold on the needle and practice proper insertion techniques.
- Being too distracted to use distraction techniques can make it difficult to put the patient at ease. Practice on training arms and have someone in the room to help distract the patient while you focus on the procedure.
- Getting the order mixed up, especially when removing the Tourniquet after the needle, can result in a messy situation. Remember to remove the Tourniquet first before removing the needle to avoid complications.
8 Rookie Phlebotomy Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Mistake number one: Not anchoring the needle
Not having a firm hold on the needle can lead to accidental withdrawal, pushing the needle too far, or moving it around under the skin. To avoid this, practice proper insertion techniques and ensure a confident hold on the needle.
Mistake number two: Being too distracted to use distraction
Focus on putting the patient at ease while performing phlebotomy. Practice on training arms and have someone in the room to help distract the patient while you concentrate on the procedure.
Mistake number three: Getting the order mixed up - especially when removing the Tourniquet after removing the needle
Remember to remove the Tourniquet before removing the needle to avoid a messy situation. Let the blood recirculate before removing the needle to reduce bruising.
Mistake number four: Positioning - putting everything on the wrong side or out of reach
Ensure all equipment is within reach and set up properly. Practice where you want everything placed and consider the layout of your work area.
Mistake number five: Rushing for fear of looking inadequate
Take your time when palpating for veins and locating the best place to draw blood. Rushing can lead to missed veins and the need for additional attempts.
Mistake number six: Getting the wrong patient
Double-check patient identifiers to avoid drawing blood from the wrong individual. Always verify patient details before initiating the procedure.
Mistake number seven: Getting the tension wrong with your tourniquet
Ensure the Tourniquet is applied correctly to help increase blood flow in the vein. Practice tying tourniquets and adjusting tension for optimal results.
Mistake number eight: Beating yourself up when you miss
Don't be too hard on yourself if you miss a vein. It's a common occurrence, and practice will improve your success rate over time.
These rookie phlebotomy mistakes can be avoided with practice and attention to detail. Build your confidence in the skill of phlebotomy by utilizing training kits and resources available to you.
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