Safety Protocols for Performing a Blood Draw with a Winged Infusion Set

Summary

• Proper patient identification is crucial before performing a blood draw using a winged infusion set
• Clean and sanitize the patient's skin before inserting the needle
• Follow Proper Disposal protocols for used needles and contaminated materials after the procedure

Introduction

Performing a blood draw using a winged infusion set is a common procedure in medical lab settings in the United States. It is essential to follow proper safety protocols to ensure the well-being of the patient as well as the healthcare provider performing the procedure. In this article, we will discuss the proper steps to ensure the safety of a patient when using a winged infusion set for a blood draw.

Proper Patient Identification

Before starting the procedure, it is crucial to properly identify the patient to ensure that the blood draw is performed on the correct individual. This can be done by checking the patient's identification bracelet or asking the patient to confirm their name and date of birth. Using at least two patient identifiers, such as the patient's name and date of birth, reduces the risk of performing the procedure on the wrong patient.

Clean and Sanitize the Patient's Skin

Once the patient has been properly identified, the next step is to clean and sanitize the patient's skin before inserting the needle. This helps reduce the risk of introducing bacteria or contaminants into the bloodstream during the procedure. The following steps should be followed:

1. Gather the necessary supplies, including antiseptic wipes, gauze, and an adhesive bandage
2. Put on clean gloves before starting the procedure
3. Use an antiseptic wipe to clean the skin around the Venipuncture site in a circular motion, starting from the center and moving outward
4. Allow the skin to dry completely before inserting the needle

Inserting the Needle

Once the patient's skin has been properly cleaned and sanitized, it is time to insert the needle using the winged infusion set. Follow these steps to ensure a safe and successful blood draw:

1. Select the appropriate gauge needle for the procedure based on the patient's vein size and the tests being conducted
2. Secure the winged infusion set in place by holding the needle hub and stabilizing the patient's vein with your non-dominant hand
3. Insert the needle at a 15-30 degree angle into the vein with a smooth, quick motion
4. Once the needle is in the vein, release the Tourniquet and allow the blood to flow into the collection tube
5. Secure the needle in the vein by applying gentle pressure on the vein with your finger

Completing the Blood Draw

After the blood draw is complete, follow these steps to ensure the safety of the patient and healthcare provider:

1. Remove the needle from the vein using a quick, smooth motion
2. Apply pressure to the Venipuncture site with gauze to stop any bleeding
3. Dispose of the used needle and other contaminated materials in a properly labeled sharps container
4. Label the blood sample with the patient's name, date of birth, and the time of collection
5. Cover the Venipuncture site with an adhesive bandage to protect it from infection

Conclusion

Performing a blood draw using a winged infusion set in a medical lab setting requires attention to detail and following proper safety protocols. By properly identifying the patient, cleaning and sanitizing the skin, and following the correct procedure for inserting and removing the needle, Healthcare Providers can ensure the safety of both the patient and themselves. Following the proper steps for completing the blood draw and disposing of used needles and contaminated materials is essential in maintaining a safe and hygienic environment in the clinical lab.

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