CHS25 Carry out blood collection from fixed or central lines

Overview

This standard is about the collection of blood from fixed or central lines that have already been inserted by a registered practitioner, for individual’s usually undergoing some form of treatment. This activity must be carried out following agreed clinical protocols and the application of principles of asepsis is of paramount importance. The activity may be undertaken in hospital, hospices, in clinics or at the individual’s home.  It is unlikely that this will be undertaken in a mobile unit.  It may require assistance from another member of the care team. You will be working without direct supervision but according to agreed protocols. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. The current European and National legislation, national guidelines, organisational policies and protocols in accordance with Clinical/Corporate Governance which affect your work practice in relation to carrying out blood collection from fixed or central lines
2. Your responsibilities and accountability in relation to the current European and National legislation, national guidelines and local policies and protocols and Clinical/Corporate Governance
3. The duty to report any acts or omissions in care that could be detrimental to yourself, other individuals or your employer
4. The importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence
5. The importance of applying standard precautions to the collection of blood from fixed or central lines and the potential consequences of poor practice
6. The importance of obtaining valid consent from the individual prior to the collection of blood from fixed and central lines
7. The types and categories of risks which may be involved when collecting blood from fixed or central lines and their implications for the individual
8. The factors which may adversely affect the completion of blood collection and the appropriate actions to take if these occur
9. The importance of avoiding damage to the fixed or central line during blood collection and how to ensure that this does not occur
10. The importance of, and the agreed methods of stopping or pausing blood collection
11. The possible results of stopping or pausing blood collection and how these may aggravate existing difficulties
12. The clinical indications of infection at the blood collection site in fixed or central lines and the actions appropriate to preventing spread and discomfort
13. Potential adverse reactions to blood collection and the actions to take if these occur
14. The importance of summoning immediate assistance for contingencies and events outside of your own area of expertise and level of competence
15. The different types of fixed or central line blood collection systems and equipment and the situations in which they may be used
16. The importance of using only specified sites in fixed or central lines for the collection of blood
17. The importance of avoiding blockage in the blood collection equipment and the fixed or central line and how you ensure that this does not occur
18. The importance of confirming the patency of lines following blood collection and describe methods of doing so
19. The potential hazards associated with contaminated equipment
20. How to position and support individuals correctly for collecting blood from fixed or central lines
21. The importance of correctly attaching blood collection equipment to the specified collection site on fixed or central lines
22. The methods of avoiding contamination of equipment and blood
23. The importance of following agreed protocols when you are unable to collect the required sample of blood
24. The importance of correctly disposing of used equipment and clinical waste from collection of blood from fixed or central lines
25. The importance of correctly recording your activities including type of blood collection system used and site on fixed or central line used to collect the blood sample
26. The reasons for and importance of:
1. accurately labelling the blood sample
2. ensuring immediate dispatch to the laboratory
27. The importance of immediately reporting any issues which are outside your own sphere of competence without delay to the relevant member of staff

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. apply standard precautions for infection prevention and control and other relevant health and safety measures
2. check the individual’s identity and confirm the planned activity
3. give the individual relevant information, support and reassurance in a manner which is sensitive to their needs and concerns
4. gain valid consent to carry out the planned activity
5. control the blood flow throughout the collection procedure following agreed protocols
6. attach the blood collection equipment to the blood collection site in the fixed or central line
7. collect the blood sample in sufficient volume into the correct sterile container and of suitable quality for purpose
8. follow agreed protocols when you are unable to collect the required sample of blood
9. flush the line with sterile solution to confirm patency on completion of the blood collection
10. identify any condition or behaviour which may signify adverse reactions to the procedure and take appropriate action
11. accurately label the collected blood sample, complete the required documentation requesting analysis and place in the appropriate position for immediate collection
12. document the blood collection procedure in accordance with patient records procedures

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB7 Interventions and treatments This standard has replaced HCS_PH06