B
CHS132 Obtain venous blood samples
Overview
This standard covers the use of venepuncture/phlebotomy techniques and procedures to obtain venous blood samples from individuals for investigations.
Version No 3.
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- the current legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols which are relevant to your work practice and to which you must adhere
- the scope and limitations of your own competence, responsibilities and accountability as it applies to your job role
- how to access and interpret all relevant work instructions and information
- specific procedures for reporting issues which are beyond your competence, responsibilities and accountability
- the duty to report any acts or omissions that could be unsafe/detrimental to you or others
- the hazards and risks which may arise during the execution of your work role and how you can minimise these
- how to adapt communication styles in ways which are appropriate to the needs of the individual
- the correct use of any equipment and PPE to protect the health and safety of you and others
- the principles, practice and procedures associated with informed consent
- the needs of individuals including issues relating to dignity, confidentiality, and privacy
- organisational management structures, roles, and responsibilities
- how to obtain positive confirmation of an individual’s identity before starting the procedure
- the importance of applying standard precautions to obtaining venous blood samples and the potential consequences of poor practice
- how infection is spread and how its spread may be limited - including how to use or apply the particular infection control measures needed when working with blood
- the structure of blood vessels
- the position of accessible veins for venous access in relation to arteries, nerves and other anatomical structures
- blood clotting processes and factors influencing blood clotting
- the contra-indications and changes in behaviour and condition, which indicate that the procedure should be stopped, and advice sought
- the concerns which individuals may have in relation to you obtaining venous blood
- how to prepare individuals for obtaining venous blood, including how their personal beliefs and preferences may affect their preparation
- what is likely to cause discomfort to individuals during and after obtaining venous blood, and how such discomfort can be minimised
- common adverse reactions to blood sampling, how to recognise them and the action(s) to take
- the type and function of different blood collection systems
- what dressings are needed for different types of puncture sites, how to apply and what advice to give individuals on caring for the site
- the factors to consider in selecting the best site to use for venous access
- the equipment and materials needed for venepuncture/phlebotomy and how to check and prepare blood collection systems
- the importance of ensuring venous access sites are cleaned effectively, and how and when this should be done
- the correct use of tourniquets
- the importance of correctly and safely inserting and removing needles
- how to recognise an arterial puncture, and the action to take if this occurs
- the factors involved in the procedure which could affect the quality of the blood
- the remedial action you can take if there are problems in obtaining blood
- when and how to dress venous puncture sites
- the information that needs to be recorded on labels and other documentation
- the importance of completing labels and documentation clearly, legibly and accurately
- how to dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
- how to complete and safely store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
Performance Criteria
You must be able to:
- access and accurately interpret all relevant work instructions and information
- work safely at all times and in accordance with all relevant legislation, guidelines, policies, procedures and protocols
- deal promptly and effectively with any problems within your control and report those which cannot be solved
- identify and minimise hazards and risk in the workplace
- confirm identity of the individual in accordance with organisational procedures
- communicate with the individual and key people at a pace, in a manner and at a level appropriate to the individual’s understanding, preferences and needs
- respect the individual’s rights and wishes relating to their privacy, beliefs, and dignity
- gain valid, informed consent from the individual in accordance with specific procedures
- apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control any other relevant health and safety measures
- give the individual relevant information, support and reassurance in a manner which is sensitive to their needs and concerns
- select and prepare:
- an appropriate site
- appropriate equipment for obtaining the venous blood
- apply, use and release a tourniquet at appropriate stages of the procedure
- gain venous access using the selected blood collection system, in a manner which will cause minimum discomfort to the individual
- obtain the blood from the selected site:
- in the correct container according to investigation required
- in the correct volume
- in the correct order when taking multiple samples
- take appropriate action to stimulate the flow of blood if there is a problem obtaining blood from the selected site, or choose an alternative site
- mix the blood and anti-coagulant thoroughly when anti-coagulated blood is needed
- promptly identify any indication that the individual may be suffering any adverse reaction and take appropriate action
- remove blood collection equipment and stop blood flow with sufficient pressure at the correct point and for the sufficient length of time to ensure bleeding has stopped
- apply a suitable dressing to the puncture site according to guidelines and/or protocols, and advise the individual about how to care for the site
- label blood samples in accordance with organisational procedures
- place samples in the appropriate packaging with relevant documentation
- place samples in the nominated place for collection and transportation, ensuring the blood is kept at the required temperature to maintain its integrity
- ensure immediate transport of the blood to the relevant department when blood sampling and investigations are urgent
- dispose of waste in accordance with organisational procedures
- complete and store all relevant documentation in accordance with organisational requirements
Additional Information
This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. Final version approved March 2021