You need to determine certain things before a patient is permitted to undergo venipuncture and cannulation. You need to especially check for patients who take medication such as warfarin or other blood anti-coagulants and these medications are administered to patients with abnormal blood condition. If you come across a patient who is under such medication then you need to remember that it usually take a lot of time to stop the bleeding caused by bruises.
There are some important points that need to be remembered during the process of venipuncture and cannulation. For example you will need to release a tourniquet that has been placed at least a couple of minutes earlier to the needle insertion and this should be done in order to allow the blood to come back to its normal state and flow. What this does is that any sort of uncomfortable feeling that the patient might have is prevented.
There could be certain instances where the patient could experience sudden extreme pain. When a venous value is involved in the procedure the pain could occur all of a sudden. The best option under such circumstances is to discontinue with the operation immediately. The comfort of the patient is to be maintained during the entire period of the procedure and this will help prevent any sort of damage or bleeding if any unexpected problem occurs.
The process of venipuncture and cannulation involves determining the right vein to where the needle is to be inserted. There are some people that have difficulty in exposing this type of veins which makes the process very critical. In such cases in which the insertion has more than two unsuccessful attempts, you need to ask for help from a colleague or a more experienced phlebotomist.
The condition of the patient should be properly observed during the medical process. This is to help the patient immediately once there are signs of fainting and dizziness that would manifest during the procedure. Another important thing to consider during the procedures in venipuncture and cannulation is the sensitiveness of the brachial artery. Experienced phlebotomists have the ability to determine which of the visible veins are associated to the brachial artery. However, for those who are still in the practicing stage, locating the brachial artery is to be given proper thought and importance prior to the insertion of the needle.
In the worst case scenario where in spite of repeated attempts you are not able to draw blood then it would advisable that you ask the patient to come back after a couple of days. The patient could also be asked to proceed to a hospital or medical facility or laboratory which is near where a more experienced phlebotomist might be of help.
specialist Dr Shahbaz A. Cheema, Course Director, Maxis Healthcare UK Limited – Leaders of Phlebotomy & ( ) Courses in London. Whether you have Medical Experience or Not, You Can Gain A Certificate Of Competency In 5 Days Or Less – 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. 99.6% Course Pass Rate.