Blood collection, also known as venipuncture or phlebotomy, is a common but important medical procedure that allows healthcare professionals to perform a proper diagnosis. But do note that this process may cause anxiety and discomfort for a patient, which is why the blood sampling method is one of the most important things to consider before collecting blood.
So what is the common method for drawing and collecting blood between a syringe, vacuum tube, and butterfly needle? These needle types have their own advantages and disadvantages, but straight-needle syringes are most commonly used during blood collection. However, the healthcare professional may also use a butterfly needle or vacuum tube as necessary.
Everyone has most likely already had their blood sample taken at some point in their life for a blood test or blood donation. A routine venipuncture procedure is a common medical process, but it remains to be the subject of dislike, pain, and anxiety for most patients.
One of the ways to put a patient at ease during a blood draw is to use smaller needles and apply less pressure when inserting the needle. A phlebotomist may use a straight needle or butterfly needle during the process.
But regardless of the type of tool they use, they should still perform each venipuncture procedure using the right specimen collection technique to avoid any injection site complication or test result contamination.
Blood is essential because it helps move nutrients, oxygen, waste products, and other materials to different parts of the body. It’s made up of two parts: the blood cells and the plasma. The cells refer to the red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets while the plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains water, proteins, glucose, and electrolytes.
Venipuncture or phlebotomy is a medical process that involves drawing blood samples from the patient for different clinical laboratory tests. Most of the time, the blood sample is collected through a needle insertion in the inner part of the forearm where several large veins (such as the antecubital vein, basilic vein, median cubital vein, cephalic vein, and median cephalic vein) are found.
Testing the blood or some parts of it gives the healthcare professional important clues about your health. Because of its importance and applications in the medical field, healthcare professionals should know the right way to perform venipuncture and how to calm their patients during the process.
Depending on the patient’s pain tolerance and the type of blood test to be performed, healthcare providers may use different kinds of needles and collection systems such as the following.
Using a hypodermic needle and syringe for blood collection is a type of closed-system venipuncture. It’s a common method that’s proven safer than open-system blood collections.
A straight needle is attached to a syringe before the blood collection starts. The syringe is a simple reciprocating pump that consists of a cylindrical collection tube (that holds the blood sample) and a plunger (that the healthcare professional pulls to draw blood in).
The hypodermic needle connected to the syringe usually comes in different sizes, but the recommended needle size for adult patients is 21-gauge. The healthcare professional may also use a 22-gauge needle for younger patients or adult patients with smaller veins.
Vacuum tube extraction systems are also closed systems of blood collection, so they’re known for reducing the risk of direct exposure to blood samples. This type of collection method also allows multiple blood sample collection using a single puncture site.
The vacuum tube collection system consists of a needle, barrel, and multiple blood collection tubes with different colored tops. This system also uses double-ended needles of different sizes with one end covered by a rubber cuff and screwed into the barrel.
A thread separates the two ends of the needle, in which the barrel is also screwed into place. The blood sample tube is under vacuum so that the blood is automatically drawn until the required amount has been collected.
Butterfly needles or winged steel needles are open systems of blood collection. Aside from drawing blood from the patient, they’re also useful for delivering most types of laboratory medicine or other liquids to the vein through an intravenous catheter.
Butterfly needles are also known as the scalp vein set or winged infusion set. This medical equipment got its name from the plastic wings on either side of the hollow needle, giving healthcare professionals better access to the vein.
Some parts of the butterfly needle may be different depending on the manufacturer, but most of them have a needle in a plastic covering. The needle is then attached to tubing that may have a Luer lock, a type of connection that users can twist a syringe on.
The needle size of butterfly needles ranges from 18-gauge to 27-gauge while the length of the tubes ranges from 8 inches to 15 inches.
Drawing blood is an important medical process, but it can also be a daunting one for both patients and medical practitioners. To perform venipuncture correctly, here are important steps to follow:
Before starting phlebotomy, it’s important to have all the needed supplies at hand first. Some medical professionals have all their blood collection supplies in one kit while others need to acquire each item individually. When gathering the supplies, make sure to take a few extra items in case you need to perform a second venipuncture.
Some of the supplies to prepare are:
Specific blood collection systems have corresponding steps, so make sure to follow them. But for the most part, here’s what you need to do when drawing blood:
Needles used for blood collection should always be sterile. They’re not meant to be reused, so make sure to discard the equipment properly after use. But in case the needle is contaminated, gently but swiftly remove it from the patient. Observe the injection site for any symptoms of infection. Redo the entire process but make sure to use sterile equipment this time.
As for external contamination of the blood collection tubes, each laboratory has its own decontamination practices. Make sure to follow them properly to prevent cross-contamination and reduce the risk of pathogen exposure in the blood samples.
Blood collection is an important medical procedure that tells healthcare professionals a lot about the health condition of their patients. Aside from the medical provider’s skills, the quality of the blood drawing equipment is also important for a successful venipuncture.
For the best blood drawing equipment, you can find high-quality blood collection needles, vacutainer needles, butterfly needles, and more at FACE Med Store. We’re the trusted partner of hundreds of healthcare practitioners around the country when it comes to medical supplies, health products, and more.
Call us today to know more about our blood collection products and ask about the best deals for you.