Venipuncture

1. First you should greet and introduce yourself.

2. Most importantly identify your patient next. Correct identification is the single most
important aspect of any phlebotomy procedure.
3. Explain the procedure to the patient, giving them the opportunity to refuse or accept.
4. Wash hands and then put gloves on.
5. Check supplies, assemble equipment, and verify any requisition/labels.
6. Apply tourniquet (3”-4” above collection site).
7. Clean site.
8. Examine the needle for defects: bent shaft, obstructed lumen.
9. Anchor vein below the puncture site.
10. Insert the needle, bevel up, into the vein in one smooth motion.
11. Collect all tubes needed.
12. Label all specimens appropriately which will include:

- Patient Name
- Patient ID: Medical Record Number, DOB, SSN
- Time and Date of draw
- Phlebotomist’s initials
- Tests to be run
- Doctors name

 This step may be performed just outside the patient’s room in the event that it is not
properly lit or situations dictate you do not linger; always before moving on though.
 Check puncture site then apply tape.
 Thank the patient, then dispose of any contaminated materials, remove gloves and
wash hands as needed.
 If a bed rail or height was changed make sure to return it to the position it was
found.
Steps to remember
1. CLEAN HANDS
2. GLOVE UP
3. GATHER SUPPLIES
4. TOURNIQUET
5. PALPATE
6. CLEAN SITE
7. ANCHOR
8. INSERT NEEDLE
9. PIANT HAND
10. POP TUBE ON
11. TORNIQUET
12. POP TUBE OFF
13. HOVER GAUZE
14. REMOVE NEEDLE
15. APPLY PRESSURE
16. BANDAGE
17. CLEAN HANDS