V To collect a sample of blood for laboratory

investigation
÷ ll nurses in Pediatric Ward must be skilled in
this procedure
÷ Excessive blood sampling should be avoided
as possible
÷ rterial blood sampling may only be carried
out by the Doctor. The nurseǯs role is to assist
in the collection and subsequent testing or
application of pressure over the puncture
site.
÷ !onstant steady pressure directly over the
arterial pressure site must be maintained for
a full five minutes to prevent bleeding and
hematoma.
÷ The SN must wear sterile gloves and ensure
that no contamination of the site takes place
÷ Strict handwashing before & after any
procedure must be adhered to
a Sterile gloves
a Disposable syringe
a Relevant collecting bottles/tubes
a Scalp vein needle
a lcohol swabs
a Iodine solution (if required)
a Dry cotton balls
V The nurse gathers all the equipment
together.
V Wash hands thoroughly.
V Wrap the baby to prevent exposure and
cooling of the baby. The cleaning of the site
must be single deliberate strokes- care must
be taken to avoid scrubbing the area.
V The scalp vein set is opened carefully to
prevent contamination of the needle and
inserted at a 3o degree angle.
V If unsuccessful, the nurse must not lay the
needle on a non sterile surface or hold the
unsheathed needle in the air while searching
for a different site.
V Using steady even pressure withdraw the
required amount of blood.
V !arefully withdraw the needle and ensure
that the puncture site is clean and bleeding
has stopped.
V Dispose the needle immediately in the
appropriate sharps container.
V Place the blood into the specimen pots being
careful not to force the blood too quickly as
this can damage the cells and give false
readings.
V ll laboratory investigations must be checked
by doctor and sign the forms with stamp.
V Ensure that the labeling of both specimen
bottle and form are correct and send to
laboratory.
V Before sending to laboratory, record the
name, date, record number and nature of
specimen in the laboratory book.
V The laboratory form and specimen bottle
must be clearly labeled and all sections are
filled in.
V The procedure must be noted in the nurses
note.(site of venipuncture, how the patient
tolerated procedure, bleeding
stopped/continued & for how long? For what
test?) Each entry will have full date, time and
signature of the nurse.
V Babies are high risk category patients for
infection and hypothermia. Every effort must
be made to minimize the handling and
exposure of the baby.
V No procedure must be carried out unless the
nurse has satisfied herself that the
environment is safe and all risks have been
minimized.